New Section 42A Targets Mat Rempit with Heavy Fines

New Section 42A of the Road Transport Act 1987

Section 42A is a new provision inserted into the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) via the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2025, specifically targeting illegal street racing and related activities commonly referred to as “Mat Rempit” in Malaysia. The amendment was passed by the Malaysian Parliament in late 2025 and came into force on 1 June 2026. It introduces enhanced penalties including mandatory imprisonment, higher fines, and vehicle forfeiture for anyone who participates in, organises, or promotes unauthorised racing on public roads. The provision is enforced by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

Key Facts

What Are the Penalties Under Section 42A?

Under Section 42A, a person convicted of participating in or organising illegal racing on a public road faces a fine of not less than RM 5,000 and not more than RM 50,000, and imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than five years. For a second or subsequent offence, the minimum fine rises to RM 10,000 and the minimum imprisonment to two years, with mandatory forfeiture of the vehicle used in the offence.

According to the official statement from the Ministry of Transport, the amendment was designed to “deter the growing menace of Mat Rempit activities that endanger public safety and cause public nuisance.”

Ministry of Transport Malaysia, 2026 “The new Section 42A sends a clear message that illegal racing will not be tolerated. Offenders will face severe financial and custodial consequences, and their vehicles will be seized.”

Under Section 42A, a first-time offender faces a minimum fine of RM 5,000 and at least one year in prison, with vehicle forfeiture mandatory for repeat offenders.

How Does Section 42A Define “Illegal Racing”?

Section 42A defines illegal racing as any unauthorised competition of speed or skill involving motor vehicles on a public road, including drag racing, circuit racing, and stunt riding such as “wheelies” or “burnouts” that obstruct or endanger other road users. The definition also covers organising, promoting, or facilitating such events, even if the organiser does not personally drive.

The amendment explicitly includes “Mat Rempit” activities, which are characterised by groups of motorcyclists performing dangerous stunts in traffic. The law applies to both four-wheeled vehicles and motorcycles. A 2025 study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) estimated that Mat Rempit-related incidents caused 47 fatalities and 312 injuries in 2024 alone.

Section 42A covers any unauthorised speed or skill competition on public roads, including drag racing, circuit racing, and stunt riding, and applies to both cars and motorcycles.

Who Is This Law For in Malaysia?

Section 42A is primarily aimed at young male motorcyclists aged 16–30 who engage in illegal street racing and stunts, commonly known as Mat Rempit, in urban and suburban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, and Ipoh. The law also targets organisers and promoters who arrange these events, often through social media groups. For Malaysian residents living near known racing hotspots, the amendment provides a legal tool to reduce noise pollution, traffic hazards, and public safety risks.

In a 2025 survey of 1,500 residents in high-traffic zones, 82% supported harsher penalties for illegal racing. The amendment is expected to reduce the frequency of street takeovers, which have been linked to property damage and emergency response delays.

This law is designed for Malaysian communities affected by Mat Rempit activities, offering stronger deterrence through mandatory imprisonment and vehicle forfeiture.

Common Questions

Can my motorcycle be confiscated under Section 42A?

Yes. For a second or subsequent offence, the court must order forfeiture of the vehicle used in the illegal racing. For a first offence, forfeiture is at the court’s discretion.

Does Section 42A apply to spectators or just drivers?

Spectators who are present at an illegal race may be charged under Section 42A if they are deemed to be promoting or facilitating the event. The law targets organisers, participants, and anyone who aids the activity.

What should I do if I witness illegal racing in my neighbourhood?

Report the incident to the nearest police station or call the JPJ hotline at 1-800-88-2727. Provide the location, time, vehicle descriptions, and any video evidence. The new law allows for anonymous reporting.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the official announcement published by Paul Tan’s Automotive News (paultan.org) on 22 June 2026, titled “Road Transport Act amendments: New Section 42A to tackle Mat Rempit issue, heavy fines for illegal racing.” Additional data on Mat Rempit casualties was sourced from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) 2025 report. Currency values are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as originally reported. No currency conversion was necessary. This article was last updated on 22 June 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the official text of the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2025.