Illegal street racers in Malaysia could soon face much heavier punishment, including jail time, once amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 come into force.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the amended law is expected to be enforced from Nov 1, pending the final gazetting process.
Illegal racing becomes a specific offence
One of the key changes is the introduction of a new Section 42A, which specifically targets illegal racing and speed trials on public roads.
Previously, authorities generally had to rely on dangerous driving provisions, which could make enforcement more difficult if no accident or obvious danger had occurred.
Under the new provision, the act of racing itself can be treated as an offence, even if no crash takes place.
Up to 2 years’ jail for first offence
For a first conviction, offenders may face:
- A fine of between RM2,000 and RM10,000
- Up to 2 years in jail
- Or both
Repeat offenders face even heavier punishment, with fines ranging from RM5,000 to RM20,000 and imprisonment of up to 5 years, or both.
JPJ says tougher action needed
Muhammad Kifli said the amendments would give enforcement officers stronger legal grounds to take action against those involved in illegal racing, dangerous riding and other forms of road hooliganism.
He added that Mat Rempit activities remain a national concern and require continuous enforcement rather than one-off operations.
He also pointed to recurring illegal riding activities around Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu, saying JPJ would continue working with police to tackle the problem.
Amendments already passed Parliament
The Road Transport amendment bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat in June after its second and third readings.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke previously said the amendments were intended to strengthen enforcement powers and close existing loopholes surrounding illegal racing.
For now, the amendments are still awaiting final gazetting.
If everything proceeds as planned, the tougher penalties are expected to take effect nationwide from Nov 1, 2026.
