KUALA LUMPUR: Illegal racing will be classified as a distinct offence, with new provisions aimed at punishing those who assist racers, under amendments to the Road Transport Act proposed on Tuesday (June 23).
Tabling the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 for its second reading in the Dewan Rakyat, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the changes were meant to come down hard on offences that put road users at risk while making everyday dealings with the authorities easier.
"The government's principle in this amendment is clear: to be firm against offences that can jeopardise road safety while making it easier for the public," he said in Parliament on Tuesday (June 23).
Loke noted that enforcement now relies heavily on data and automated cameras; however, newer issues have arisen concerning electric vehicles, micromobility, foreign vehicles, and document forgery.
Loke said the Bill sets out rules for electric vehicles, modified vehicles, as well as foreign vehicles entering the country, and tightens controls over Malaysian-registered vehicles crossing the border.
Loke said the aim was better compliance.
"The ultimate objective of every amendment proposed is based on one clear priority: protecting the safety and lives of road users," he added.
Loke said the Bill brings in new provisions against the lookouts and scouts who clear the way for illegal racers.
It also raises penalties for selected traffic offences and places more responsibility on registered owners whose vehicles are caught breaking the rules on enforcement cameras.
On the easier side, the Bill gives legal recognition to digital driving licences and road tax records, so the digital versions carry the same standing as the physical ones.
It also moves Road Transport Department (JPJ) services further onto digital platforms, including electronic notices.
The Bill has 42 amendment clauses across five areas: the digitalisation of JPJ services and electronic notices, tougher enforcement on serious and repeat offences, the new provisions on racing, tonto, micromobility and owner accountability, the regulation of electric, modified and foreign vehicles, and updates to ministerial and regulatory powers.
