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THE extreme modification of vehicle registration plates is no longer merely a traffic offence but has become a serious obstacle for authorities attempting to track down criminals, according to a member of the Malaysian Road Safety Council (MKJR).
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the irresponsible practice of displaying so-called “fancy” or difficult-to-read number plates significantly hampers the effectiveness of enforcement agencies, particularly the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
He said the negative impact is especially evident when such vehicles are involved in criminal activities or hit-and-run incidents.
“Many crimes such as snatch thefts and house break-ins fail to be resolved quickly due to the difficulty in identifying or tracing the perpetrators who hide behind these confusing registration numbers,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
Lee voiced his full support for the tougher and more aggressive enforcement measures being taken by the JPJ’s Enforcement Division to address the issue.
He also commended the Kajang Magistrates’ Court for its approach of initiating direct prosecution against traffic offenders who defy the law.
Lee described fines ranging from a minimum of RM5,000 to a maximum of RM10,000 under the Road Transport Act 1987 as appropriate and justified.
“Firm and continuous action is important to ensure the safety of road users and the wider community. It also serves as a valuable lesson to other drivers to be more responsible and to comply with the law,” he stressed.
Earlier, media reports said the JPJ had tightened legal action against the use of “fancy” and extreme vehicle registration plates.
JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan was quoted as saying that his department had sought the views of deputy public prosecutors to ensure vehicle owners displaying confusing registration numbers are charged in court.
“Vehicle owners who commit this offence will be summoned under Section 108 of the Road Transport Act 1987.
“These cases will be brought to court, where offenders face heavy penalties with a minimum fine of RM5,000, which can reach up to RM10,000,” he said. - December 30, 2025