KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today, aimed at strengthening regulatory and enforcement powers of the law.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke informed the House while tabling the bill that the second reading will be held during the current parliamentary session.
According to the text of the bill published on the official Parliament portal, the bill provides for the lower limit for fines to be increased from RM300 to RM500 for several offences, including failure to display a vehicle registration number, not having a licence, driving without a valid driving licence, speeding, violating requirements for the construction, equipment, and use of vehicles, disregarding traffic instructions and signals, and engaging in illegal street racing.
Key amendments are as follows:
Clause 13 of the bill proposes heavier penalties for those who drive with suspended licences, with the punishment increased to imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of between RM3,000 and RM10,000, compared with the previous penalty of a maximum one-year jail term or a fine of up to RM5,000.
Clause 15 introduces a new section, Section 42A, which would make racing or speed-testing on public roads an offence punishable by a fine of RM2,000 to RM10,000, up to two years’ jail, or both for a first conviction, while for a second conviction, a fine between RM5,000 and RM20,000, jail of not less than five years, or both will apply.
Clause 37 seeks to amend Section 120 to increase the maximum compound amount for compoundable offences from RM300 to RM500.
Clause 28 and Sub-clauses 28(a) and 28(b) propose stricter penalties for making false statements, with fines of up to RM200,000 or 10 years’ jail.
Clause 22 proposes the transfer of Section 66 of the Road Transport Act 1987 to empower the minister to prescribe fees relating to the issuance of entry permits for foreign motor vehicles.
Broader powers for police and road transport officers to control and redirect traffic.
Procedures for the detention and disposal of micromobility vehicles.
A new offence of obstructing or assaulting enforcement officers, which would be classified as an arrestable offence.
