Tougher penalties for illegal racing, tonto activities take effect today

On today's date, Malaysia's Transport Ministry announced the implementation of stricter penalties for various traffic offences under amendments to the Road Transport Act. Section 42A introduces specific penalties for illegal racing and speed testing on public roads, allowing enforcement action without requiring accidents or injuries.

First-time offenders face fines between RM2,000 and RM10,000, or up to two years in prison, while repeat offenders face harsher penalties of RM5,000 to RM20,000 and up to five years in jail. Section 110B strengthens the punishment for tonto activities, which include obstructing enforcement operations like following vehicles or leaking information to help others evade legal action.

Those convicted face fines between RM10,000 and RM50,000, or between one and five years in prison, and are also classified as arrestable offences. To prevent vehicle owners from evading responsibility for their vehicles' offences, Section 53B amendments improve accountability. Owners will be held liable for offences detected by enforcement cameras, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Section 108 amendments increase penalties for forgery involving vehicle records or documentation, with fines up to RM200,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both for certain offences. The amendments modernize the Road Transport Department's services and digital services, allowing easy access to licences, documents, records, and accident reports.

Vehicle safety regulations will also be updated to cover various vehicle types, including electric, modified, components, and micromobility vehicles. Cross-border vehicle enforcement will be strengthened, and the maximum compound limit for compoundable offences will increase from RM300 to RM500 on January 1, 2029, giving road users time to adjust.