KUALA LUMPUR: Tougher penalties for illegal racing, tonto (lookout) activities and vehicle document forgery took effect today under amendments to the Road Transport Act, the Transport Ministry said.
Under the new Section 42A, racing or testing speed on public roads is a specific offence, allowing enforcement action to be taken without waiting for an accident, injury or death to occur.
First-time offenders face a fine of RM2,000 to RM10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. For a second or subsequent conviction, the penalty increases to a fine of RM5,000 to RM20,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Section 110B addresses tonto activities, which involve obstructing enforcement operations, including following enforcement vehicles and leaking operational information to help others evade legal action.
Those convicted face fines of RM10,000 to RM50,000, imprisonment for one to five years, or both. The offence is also classified as an arrestable offence.
Amendments to Section 53B strengthen the accountability of registered vehicle owners for offences detected by enforcement cameras, including automated enforcement systems.
"The changes aim to close loopholes that could allow owners to evade responsibility for offences committed using their vehicles," the ministry said in a statement.
Amendments to Section 108 also increase penalties for forgery involving vehicle records, documents and information, including offences involving cloned vehicles and the manipulation of vehicle identities.
For certain offences, offenders face fines of up to RM200,000, imprisonment for up to 10 years, or both.
The ministry said the Act contains 42 amendment clauses aimed at improving road safety, strengthening enforcement and modernising Road Transport Department (RTD) services in line with technological developments and current needs.
The amendments also strengthen the legal framework for digital RTD services, including the electronic use of licences, documents, records and notices.
They will facilitate vehicle and driver licensing and enable digital accident reporting, subject to prescribed procedures, the ministry said.
Vehicle safety regulations will also be streamlined to cover electric vehicles, modified vehicles, vehicle components and micromobility vehicles.
Provisions governing cross-border vehicles have been strengthened to allow enforcement action against those that fail to meet legal requirements or have unresolved outstanding matters, the ministry said.
Meanwhile, the increase in the maximum compound limit for compoundable offences from RM300 to RM500 will take effect only on Jan 1, 2029.
The delay is intended to give road users sufficient time to adjust and is in line with the government's commitment when the Bill was tabled in parliament.
"The higher limit, however, does not mean all traffic offences will automatically incur a RM500 compound. The amount imposed will depend on the type of offence and the rules prescribed under the Road Transport Act.
"The measure aims to improve compliance and strengthen deterrence rather than burden the public or increase government revenue," it said.
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