Stop rewarding traffic offenders

I REFER to the recent announcement that beginning Jan 1, 2026, traffic offenders in Malaysia will receive discounts of up to 50% under a new system if they settle their summonses within 15 days (“Traffic offenders to get discounts based on how fast they pay, says Loke”, The Star, Oct 22; online at bit.ly/4osjRq4). While this may be intended to encourage prompt payment, such measures send the wrong message about accountability and road safety.

Offering discounts to those who break traffic laws undermines the seriousness of the offence and penalises law-abiding citizens who obey the rules. It conveys the impression that violations can be “bargained away” instead of treated as deterrents against reckless behaviour.