KUALA LUMPUR, June 24 (Bernama) -- The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026, which, among others, aims to curb illegal street racing and speed-testing activities involving all types of vehicles.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote after being debated by 43 government and opposition MPs since yesterday.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke, in winding up the debate, said a new Section 42A would enable enforcement action to be taken against illegal racing activities without having to wait until an accident, injury or fatality occurs.
He said the amendment would close a loophole in existing legislation that had made it difficult to prosecute illegal racers, as authorities previously had to prove the existence of danger or actual consequences arising from the offence.
“Under Section 42A, the act of racing or speed testing itself becomes a specific offence. The provision applies to any person racing on a road involving two or more motor vehicles, including cars,” he said.
On the increase in the maximum compound rate from RM300 to RM500 for selected offences, Loke said the amendment was not intended to raise government revenue but was aimed at balancing deterrence, the seriousness of offences and fairness under Act 333.
He said the government had also taken note of proposals that vehicles extensively modified for illegal racing should not be returned to their owners, although any forfeiture or disposal would have to comply with due legal process.
On Section 110B, Loke said the provision was introduced to curb the activities of ‘tontos’, including acts of obstruction, tailing, interference and leaking operational information to help offenders evade enforcement action, while also protecting Road Transport Department (JPJ) and police personnel from interference and information leaks.
‘Tontos’ refer to those who act as lookouts by monitoring enforcement activities and relaying information to syndicates.
The amendment also introduces a legal definition for micromobility vehicles, which include electrically powered, engine-powered or human-powered vehicles subject to prescribed speed limits, with regulations aimed at ensuring their safe use.
Loke said the government had taken into account the use of micromobility vehicles by students, the B40 group and persons with disabilities, with particular emphasis on the safe use of Personal Mobility Aids (PMAs) in designated areas such as pedestrian walkways and residential neighbourhoods, subject to regulatory controls.
Earlier during the debate, Datuk Dr Richard Rapu (GPS-Betong) said the success of the amendments should not be measured solely by higher compound collections or fines, but by their effectiveness in addressing driver negligence and behaviour, which contribute to more than 80 per cent of fatal road accidents.
He proposed stricter implementation of the law, including the automatic suspension of licences for repeat traffic offenders, describing it as a more effective tool for promoting responsible driving behaviour.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin (PN-Putrajaya) called for a clearer definition of hit-and-run offences in the amended law to facilitate enforcement based on available evidence.
He also stressed the need for stronger enforcement against drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including tougher penalties such as licence suspension, to better protect road users and the families of accident victims.
Tan Hong Pin (PH-Bakri) proposed a comprehensive road safety strategy based on the ‘3E’ approach - engineering, education and enforcement - including investment in safer infrastructure, automated enforcement cameras, and pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly facilities to improve compliance and road safety.
-- BERNAMA
