New Summons Discount Mechanism Aimed At Boosting Road Safety - Lee

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The Alliance for a Safe Community has voiced its support for the upcoming “the less you delay, the less you pay” traffic summons mechanism, expressing confidence that the approach if carried out effectively, will reduce traffic offences and enhance road safety nationwide.

Its chairman, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, said the new approach sends a clear message that traffic laws must be respected and any violations will be dealt with firmly.

Lee said at the same time, enforcement must be carried out consistently, transparently and fairly so that the public has full confidence that every summon is issued accurately and without bias.

“The Alliance for a Safe Community welcomes the new policy to be implemented beginning Jan 1, 2026 under which summonses will be issued to all vehicle owners who commit traffic offences and the amount payable will depend on how quickly the fine is settled. 

“The decision to discontinue the practice of granting large-scale discounts on outstanding summonses is a timely and commendable step to encourage greater accountability and discipline among road users,” he said in a statement today. 

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said the government will standardise the rates and procedures for road traffic offence compounds nationwide through the implementation of the principle “the less you delay, the less you pay,” starting Jan 1 next year.

Loke said the Cabinet decided on Oct 17 after noting discrepancies in the rates and enforcement methods of compounds between the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) had caused confusion and given the impression that the law was not being applied consistently.

According to Lee, in the past, periodic discount offers created the perception that offenders could simply wait for the next amnesty period to pay less, and such practices undermined the deterrent effect of traffic laws while weakening efforts to promote a culture of responsible driving.

However, he said the policy should also be strengthened through continuous road safety education, close monitoring of repeat offenders and the use of technological tools such as automated enforcement cameras to ensure impartiality and fairness.

“The ultimate goal of this initiative should not merely be to collect fines but to change driver behaviour and promote safer roads for all. We all share the responsibility to make our roads safer,” he added. 

-- BERNAMA