Custom vehicle modification setup photographed during JPJ Ops Ekstrem. (Photo Credit: JPJ)How modified is too modified for Malaysian roads?
That question is back in the spotlight after the Road Transport Department (JPJ) seized 37 vehicles during its latest Ops Ekstrem operation in Kuala Lumpur, targeting cars with what the department described as extreme modifications.
The operation was conducted from 1 AM to 5 AM around the capital, particularly along Jalan Raja Laut, with 156 vehicles inspected and enforcement action taken against 97 of them.
TL;DR What Happened? JPJ inspected 156 vehicles during Ops Ekstrem in Kuala Lumpur. Action was taken against 97 vehicles, while 37 were seized. JPJ highlighted extremely lowered cars, air suspension systems and heavily modified exhausts. Some owners reportedly spent up to RM150,000 modifying exhaust systems capable of producing flames. Ops Ekstrem is set to expand nationwide from this week. What Did JPJ Find?
According to JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, some of the vehicles had been modified to the point where their bodies were almost touching the road surface.
JPJ also highlighted the growing use of air suspension systems, which the department said can cost between RM15,000 and RM25,000.
But perhaps the most eye-catching figure involved exhaust modifications.
Aedy Fadly said some owners had spent as much as RM150,000 modifying exhaust systems capable of producing flames.
Custom vehicle modification setup photographed during JPJ Ops Ekstrem. (Photo Credit: JPJ)JPJ issued a total of 485 notices for various offences during the operation.
The biggest category involved registration numbers that did not comply with specifications, with 97 cases.
This was followed by 77 exhaust-related offences, 66 cases involving expired Motor Vehicle Licences, 57 vehicles without insurance coverage, 44 involving tinted windows and 11 involving vehicle modifications.
OPS EKSTREM BY THE NUMBERS 156 vehicles inspected 97 vehicles faced enforcement action 37 vehicles seized 485 notices issued What Happens To The Seized Cars?For the 37 seized vehicles, the matter does not end with simply paying a summons and driving away.
JPJ says the vehicles will be held until legal action is taken against their owners and the cars are restored to their original specifications and condition.
MODIFIED CAR OWNERS TAKE NOTE A SEIZED CAR MAY HAVE TO BE RETURNED TO ORIGINAL SPEC JPJ says the vehicles seized during Ops Ekstrem will only be released after legal action has been taken and the vehicles have been restored to their original specifications and condition. Ops Ekstrem Is Going NationwideThe enforcement drive was reportedly triggered by public complaints over disturbances occurring at night.
JPJ says Ops Ekstrem will not remain limited to Kuala Lumpur and is set to be expanded nationwide beginning this week.
The department also plans to refer issues involving illegal modification components to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM).
This could potentially widen enforcement beyond vehicle owners themselves, with JPJ also highlighting action against unregistered workshops and efforts to curb the entry of illegal components.
So, Where Should The Line Be Drawn?
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli speaking at a media conference following Ops Ekstrem. (Photo Credit: JPJ)There is an important distinction here: modifying a car does not automatically make it illegal.
But Ops Ekstrem shows that JPJ is putting greater attention on modifications that fall outside approved specifications, particularly when they affect safety, generate excessive disturbance or push vehicles far beyond their original road-going configuration.
And with enforcement now expected to expand nationwide, owners running aggressively lowered cars, heavily modified exhaust systems or other extreme setups may want to pay closer attention.
