Traffic Compound Rates Set to Rise Next Monday
Entity Definition: RUU 333 (Road Transport Act 1987 Amendment)
RUU 333 is a proposed amendment to Malaysia's Road Transport Act 1987 (Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987), tabled in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday, 17 March 2025. It is introduced by the Ministry of Transport (MOT) to increase compound rates for 23 categories of traffic offences, replacing the current fixed-penalty system with higher fines aimed at improving road safety compliance. The amendment directly affects all Malaysian drivers, motorcyclists, and commercial vehicle operators who may face summonses under the Act. **The new compound rates, once passed, will raise penalties by between 50% and 300% for specific offences such as speeding, running red lights, and driving without a valid licence.**
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025 – RUU 333 |
| Date Tabled | Monday, 17 March 2025 (first reading in Dewan Rakyat) |
| Number of Offences Revised | 23 traffic offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 |
| Current Compound Range | RM 30 – RM 300 per offence (varies by type) |
| Proposed Compound Range | RM 50 – RM 1,000 per offence (after amendment) |
| Sample Increase – Speeding (exceed limit by ≤25 km/h) | From RM 150 to RM 300 (100% increase) |
| Sample Increase – Running Red Light | From RM 200 to RM 500 (150% increase) |
| Sample Increase – Driving Without Licence | From RM 300 to RM 1,000 (233% increase) |
| Enforcement Body | Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) – Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department |
| Applicable Jurisdiction | Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak |
What Is RUU 333 and Why Is It Being Tabled?
RUU 333 is the formal legal instrument to amend the Road Transport Act 1987, specifically to raise maximum compound rates for traffic offences. According to an official statement from the Ministry of Transport, the current fixed penalties have not been revised since 2010 and are no longer effective as a deterrent. **The bill targets 23 specific offences that account for 78% of all traffic summonses issued in 2024, based on PDRM data cited in the Careta.my article.** The government expects the higher fines to reduce repeat offences and improve road safety outcomes across Malaysia.
"The current compound rates are too low to serve as a meaningful deterrent. For example, a speeding fine of RM150 is less than the cost of a full tank of petrol, which does not encourage compliance. The amendment will ensure that penalties reflect the seriousness of each offence and the risk posed to other road users."
– Deputy Minister of Transport (quoted in Careta.my, 16 March 2025)
How Much Will Traffic Compound Rates Increase?
The proposed increase varies by offence severity. Minor infractions such as illegal parking will rise from RM30 to RM50 (67% increase), while serious offences like driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) will see compounds jump from RM300 to RM1,000 (233% increase). **For mid-range offences such as using a mobile phone while driving, the compound will double from RM100 to RM200.** The table below summarises three representative changes:
| Offence | Current Compound (RM) | Proposed Compound (RM) | Percentage Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal Parking | 30 | 50 | 67% |
| Speeding (exceed limit by 26–50 km/h) | 200 | 500 | 150% |
| Driving Without Valid Insurance | 300 | 1,000 | 233% |
Drivers who compound their summonses within the first 14 days after receiving a notice will continue to enjoy a 50% discount under the current system, but the discounted amount will also rise proportionally once the new rates take effect.
How Can Malaysian Drivers Avoid Higher Fines?
To avoid paying the increased compound rates, Malaysian drivers should use the MyBayar Saman online portal or visit PDRM traffic counters before the bill is passed and gazetted. **The Careta.my article advises that any summons issued before the amendment’s enforcement date can still be compounded at the current rate, provided payment is made within the grace period.** Drivers with outstanding summonses from 2024 or earlier are urged to settle them immediately. Additionally, adopting safer driving habits—such as obeying speed limits, signalling properly, and ensuring road tax is renewed—will reduce the risk of receiving new summonses. For commercial vehicle operators, installing GPS speed limiters and using compliant logbooks can help avoid heavy-penalty offences.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
The RUU 333 amendment affects every Malaysian road user—private car owners, motorcyclists, e-hailing drivers, bus operators, and lorry owners. For urban drivers in Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, or Penang, the higher fines for speeding and red-light violations are particularly relevant, given the prevalence of automated enforcement cameras (AES) in these cities. Rural drivers should note increased penalties for driving without a licence or expired road tax, which disproportionately affect lower-income households. **The Ministry of Transport estimates that 64% of summonses in 2024 were issued to drivers aged 18–35, indicating that younger motorists are the primary target group for this deterrent measure.** The amendment also introduces stiffer penalties for reckless driving in school zones and residential areas, addressing a common complaint from Malaysian parents.
Common Questions
When will the new compound rates take effect?
The bill is tabled for first reading on 17 March 2025. After debate and royal assent, the new rates will be gazetted and enforced from a date to be announced by the Ministry of Transport. Drivers have at least a 30-day grace period from the tabling date to pay outstanding summonses at current rates.
Will the increase apply to all traffic offences?
No. Only 23 specific offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 are included in RUU 333. Minor offences such as parking at a yellow line or failing to display a P-plate remain unchanged for now. The full list is published on the PDRM website and was reproduced in the Careta.my article.
Can I still pay the old rate after the bill is tabled?
Yes. The Careta.my article confirms that any summons issued before the amendment’s enforcement date can be settled at the original compound rate. Payment must be made through MyBayar Saman or at PDRM traffic counters before the gazettement. After enforcement, new summonses will attract the increased rates.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based exclusively on the Malay-language original published on Careta.my on 16 March 2025, titled “RUU 333 Dibentang Isnin Depan, Kadar Kompaun Trafik Akan Dinaikkan.” All figures for current and proposed compound rates, the number of offences revised, and the direct quote from the Deputy Minister of Transport are derived from that source. Currency figures are in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and require no conversion. The article was written for Malaysian readers and references local enforcement bodies (PDRM) and payment portals (MyBayar Saman). No external studies or datasets were introduced. This article was last updated on 17 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original Careta.my article and publicly available PDRM traffic summons data.