Malaysia’s Parliament will table the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025 on Monday, June 22, with a second reading debate and likely passage scheduled for June 23 [1]. The Bill covers 11 areas of amendment and 42 clauses, focusing on stronger enforcement against illegal street racing and ‘tonto’ syndicates that interfere with traffic law officers [1, 2, 3].
The Bill aims to increase fines for serious traffic offences. However, any rise in the maximum compound fine, currently capped at RM300, will apply only to selected serious and repeat offences [2, 3]. The legislation also seeks to empower the Road Transport Department with digital tools like Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) to enable smarter and more efficient enforcement on Malaysian roads [2, 3].
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government wants “enforcement that is smarter, more efficient, and reduces direct interaction between officers and road users.” He added this approach helps “mitigate negative perceptions and integrity issues often associated with physical roadblocks.” [2] He also stressed clearer legal provisions in the Bill to allow criminal action against anyone who disrupts, tails, or threatens enforcement officers during their duties [2].
Opposition members on the Parliamentary Special Select Committee have backed the proposed amendments, signaling broad support [1]. This Bill is the first amendment to the Road Transport Act tabled this year. A second amendment is expected by year-end to introduce compensation mechanisms for accident victims involving drunk, drug-positive, or reckless drivers [2, 3]. As Minister Loke said, it will “focus on proposals for a compensation mechanism for victims of accidents… to ensure justice for victims.” [3]
On June 18, Minister Loke held media briefings outlining the Bill’s scope and key features [1, 2, 3]. The next immediate step is the Bill’s formal tabling in the Dewan Rakyat on June 22 and its expected passing the following day [1].
