THE government has tabled the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat, seeking to strengthen regulatory and enforcement provisions under the Road Transport Act 1987.
The Bill was presented for its first reading by Transport Minister Anthony Loke following the oral question session in the lower house of Parliament.
A second reading, followed by debate from both government and opposition Members of Parliament, is expected to take place during the current parliamentary sitting.
According to a draft of the amendment circulated by Parliament, the Bill proposes a total of 41 amendments to various sections of the existing legislation.
Among the key changes is Clause 11, which seeks to amend Section 26 of the Act to require that any person driving a motor vehicle must hold a valid driving licence, including individuals employed or authorised to operate a vehicle on behalf of others.
The clause also proposes increasing the minimum fine for driving without a valid licence from not less than RM300 to not less than RM500, BH reported today.
Clause 13 proposes amendments to Section 32 of the Act to increase penalties relating to driving disqualification.
The revised provision would replace the current punishment of up to one year’s imprisonment or a fine not exceeding RM5,000 with a harsher penalty of up to three years’ imprisonment or a fine ranging from RM3,000 to RM10,000.
Clause 14 proposes an increase in the minimum fine for speeding offences under Section 40, raising it from RM300 to RM500.
Clause 15 introduces a new Section 42A, which would criminalise street racing and speed trials on public roads as specific offences under the Act.
Further amendments under Clauses 25 and 26 propose increasing minimum fines under Sections 76A and 79, covering permitted left turns and failure to comply with traffic instructions or signals, respectively, raising penalties from RM300 to RM500.
The government said the Bill does not involve any additional financial implications for the state. - June 22, 2026
