Kuala lumpur: The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025 introduces a specific offence for illegal racing and speed trials on public roads, with repeat offenders facing up to five years' imprisonment. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the proposed Section 42A would establish racing or speed testing as a standalone offence under the Road Transport Act 1987.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke stated that first-time offenders would be liable to a fine ranging from RM2,000 to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both upon conviction. For second and subsequent convictions, penalties would increase to a fine between RM5,000 and RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both. This new provision aims to address enforcement challenges by criminalising illegal racing, which is currently prosecuted under dangerous driving provisions.
Loke emphasized that the amendment allows authorities to act preemptively without waiting for an accident, injury, or loss of life. He explained that action could be taken against individuals racing or testing their speed on public roads, even if no accident occurs. The same principle applies to motorists using public roads to test vehicle speeds illegally.
Additionally, the Bill proposes Section 110B to combat tonto activities, which have hindered enforcement efforts. Individuals obstructing or interfering with enforcement operations, threatening officers, or sharing information to help offenders evade legal action could face fines between RM10,000 and RM50,000, imprisonment of one to five years, or both. This offence would be classified as arrestable.
Loke stated that the amendment aims to bolster enforcement operations, particularly against offences related to overloading, non-compliant vehicles, and commercial vehicles. The Bill also proposes revisions to minimum fines, penalties, and compound limits for selected offences, increasing the amount from RM300 to RM500. However, offenders will not automatically receive RM500 compounds.
He noted that the amendment would raise the maximum compound offer limit for compoundable offences, with the actual amount depending on the nature and severity of the offence, settlement period, and prescribed procedures. The new maximum compound rates are slated to take effect on January 1, 2029.