Malaysia Enforces Stricter Road Transport Act Targeting Illegal Racing
Malaysia's Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 is now in force, introducing harsh new penalties for illegal street racing and 'tonto' syndicates that obstruct enforcement, alongside digital service reforms.
Malaysia’s Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 came into force on October 16, amending the 1987 Act with 42 changes. The amendments create specific offences for illegal street racing and for 'tonto' activities that disrupt enforcement, while also digitalising transport services.
The amendment introduces Section 42A to penalise illegal racing on public roads and Section 110B to criminalise 'tonto' activities that disrupt enforcement operations. Section 42A allows authorities to act without waiting for an accident or injury. Section 110B targets syndicates that tail enforcement vehicles and leak operational details to help offenders evade checks. This offence is arrestable.
Stricter penalties for first and repeat offenders under new provisions
Penalties for illegal racing are now clearly defined and severe. For a first conviction under Section 42A, an offender may be subject to a fine of between RM2,000 and RM10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Repeat offenders face much harsher punishment.
The penalty structure is outlined below:
| Offence Type | Fine Range (RM) | Maximum Imprisonment |
|---|---|---|
| First Conviction (Section 42A) | 2,000, 10,000 | 2 years |
| Repeat Conviction (Section 42A) | 5,000, 20,000 | 5 years |
Those convicted under the new 'tonto' provision, Section 110B, face fines from RM10,000 to RM50,000, jail terms of one to five years, or both.
Enhanced accountability and digitalisation of transport services
Accountability for vehicle owners is strengthened through changes to Section 53B, which holds registered owners responsible for offences captured by enforcement cameras. The legal framework for electronic licences, documents, and digital accident reporting is also solidified, simplifying licensing processes.
Penalties for document fraud see a major increase. Amendments to Section 108 target vehicle cloning and identity manipulation. For certain offences, perpetrators can now face fines up to RM200,000 and imprisonment for up to ten years.
Broader safety reforms and delayed compound limit increase
The Act broadens safety oversight to include electric vehicles, modified vehicles, and micro-mobility vehicles. Provisions for cross-border vehicles are also strengthened. A change to the maximum compound fine for compoundable offences has been scheduled but delayed.
The compound limit will rise from RM300 to RM500, but only from January 1, 2029. The Transport Ministry clarified this delay is to give road users time to adjust. The ministry stressed that the increase is not meant to burden the public or boost government revenue. "The measure aims to improve legal compliance and provide a more effective deterrent," the MOT stated. The specific compound amount will still depend on the offence type.
The amendments are now in force, with enforcement agencies expected to begin applying Sections 42A and 110B immediately, while the compound limit increase will take effect on January 1, 2029.
