Malaysia enacts Road Transport Amendment to curb illegal racing and boost digital services

Effective today, the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 modifies the 1987 Road Transport Act with 42 new clauses aimed at improving road safety and modernising the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) operations. Section 42A criminalises racing or speed testing on public roads, allowing authorities to act before any crash occurs; first-time offenders face fines of RM2,000-RM10,000 or up to two years’ imprisonment, while repeat offenders may be fined RM5,000-RM20,000 and jailed for up to five years.

Section 110B targets “tonto” syndicates that impede enforcement, imposing fines of RM10,000-RM50,000 and one-to-five-year jail terms, and classifying the breach as an arrestable offence. The law also tightens vehicle-owner liability for offences captured by automated cameras, authorises electronic licences and records, and enables digital accident reporting. Safety standards for electric, modified, and micromobility vehicles are strengthened, and the ceiling for compoundable traffic offences will increase to RM500 from January 1, 2029, after a transition period.