Recent amendments to the Police Act 1967 (Act 344) during the latest parliamentary sessions have prompted a call for increased caution among motorists on the roads.
One significant change brought about by the revised Section 21 is the granting of legal authority to the police to conduct escort duties, particularly for VIP convoys.
Among the amendments passed by Parliament on March 22, after initial tabling on March 18, was the appointment of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong as the Honorary Commissioner-in-Chief of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
According to reports from Paul Tan’s Automotive News, the amended Act now explicitly outlines in Clause 4 of Section 21 that police officers are obligated to carry out escort duties.
Furthermore, Subsection 2 specifies that individuals who obstruct, oppose, or disobey any reasonable direction given by a police officer in the performance of escort duties will be deemed guilty of an offense and may face significant penalties upon conviction.
These penalties have been substantially increased, with fines now reaching up to RM10,000 and potential imprisonment for up to two years, a stark contrast to the previous RM200 fine and two-month sentence.
Another notable change is the imposition of higher penalties under Section 26 for failure to stop at police barriers, with maximum fines now doubled to RM2,000.
These amendments signify a stricter approach towards traffic regulations and safety on Malaysian roads, emphasizing the importance of compliance with police directives and regulations, especially during escort operations.
Motorists are urged to exercise heightened vigilance and adhere to all traffic laws to avoid facing severe consequences under the amended provisions of the Police Act 1967.
As law enforcement authorities are empowered with increased legal authority, it is imperative for all road users to prioritize safety and respect the directives of police officers to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the safety of all individuals on the road.
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