Strong support from MPs on tougher traffic laws; some call for even harsher penalties

Despite the passage of tougher traffic laws in Parliament on August 4, some Members of Parliament (MPs) argued for even stiffer penalties, citing the alarming rise in road fatalities. The recently enacted Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill includes heavier penalties for drink-driving, dangerous driving, and using mobile devices while driving. Over six hours of debate saw 27 MPs voice their opinions, with all supporting the bill but a few seeking more stringent measures.

Road deaths hit a 10-year high of 149 in 2025, up from 141 in 2016, while injured people rose from 9,342 in 2024 to 9,955 in 2025. One MP, Xie Yao Quan from Jurong Central, called for harsher penalties for dangerous driving, citing the case of Jeremiah Ng who killed a Gojek driver and injured six others in 2021 by racing at speeds between 157km/h and 169km/h. Ng was jailed for seven years but Xie argued that the maximum penalty of eight years feels insufficient for such reckless behavior.

Workers' Party MP Kenneth Tiong from Aljunied GRC suggested that those who drive without a license should face a minimum jail term, noting that current first-time offenders can be sentenced to up to three years. Nominated MP Neo Kok Beng recalled instances of "brake checking," a dangerous maneuver that the new bill aims to criminalize. However, he questioned if such drivers would be subject to immediate suspension and if penalties reflect the severity of the offense.

MP Hazlina Abdul Halim from East Coast GRC proposed that traffic fines be scaled based on income, a complex issue involving fairness and equity. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also reviewed the demerit points system, with an additional buffer for drivers with a good driving record considered but ultimately rejected. Sim Ann, the Second Minister for Home Affairs, stated that penalties will continue to be reviewed in response to worsening road safety trends.