Loke Orders JPJ to Act on Helmetless Johor Riders

What Is the Loke Directive on Helmetless Johor Riders?

On 28 February 2022, Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook directed the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to take enforcement action against motorcyclists found campaigning without helmets during the Johor state election campaign period. This directive reinforces Malaysia’s mandatory helmet law under the Road Transport Act 1987, which requires all motorcyclists and pillion riders to wear approved helmets. The order specifically targets election campaign activities where riders were observed without head protection, addressing a safety violation that had drawn public concern. The directive applies to all motorcyclists in Johor during the campaign period, with no exemptions for political activities.

The directive issued by Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook on 28 February 2022 orders JPJ to enforce helmet-wearing laws against motorcyclists campaigning without helmets during the Johor state election.

Key Facts

Why Did Loke Order JPJ to Act on Helmetless Riders?

The directive was issued after reports and images emerged showing motorcyclists participating in Johor state election campaign convoys without wearing helmets. Transport Minister Loke stated that such behaviour sets a dangerous example and undermines road safety efforts. In a statement reported by Careta.my, Loke emphasised that the law applies equally to all road users, regardless of political activity. The directive aims to deter similar violations during the campaign period and reinforce the importance of helmet use for all motorcyclists in Malaysia.

“I have instructed JPJ to take strict action against any motorcyclist who rides without a helmet, regardless of the context, including election campaigning. Safety must come first.”

— Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook, as reported by Careta.my on 28 February 2022

The directive was triggered by evidence of motorcyclists campaigning without helmets during the Johor state election, which Loke said sets a dangerous precedent for road safety.

What Are the Penalties for Riding Without a Helmet in Malaysia?

Under Section 119 of the Road Transport Act 1987, any motorcyclist or pillion rider caught without an approved helmet can be issued a compound fine of up to RM300. If the case goes to court, the maximum penalty is a fine of up to RM1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months. JPJ enforcement officers have the authority to issue summonses on the spot. The Loke directive specifically instructs JPJ to apply these penalties to riders observed without helmets during the Johor election campaign, with no leniency for political activity.

Riding without a helmet in Malaysia carries a maximum compound fine of RM300 and a court penalty of up to RM1,000 or three months’ imprisonment.

How Does This Directive Affect Malaysian Motorcyclists?

For Malaysian motorcyclists, especially those in Johor, the directive means that JPJ will actively monitor campaign convoys and issue summonses to any rider not wearing a helmet. This applies to all motorcyclists, including those participating in political processions, rallies, or candidate escorts. The directive does not create new laws but reinforces existing enforcement. Motorcyclists in other states should also note that JPJ may adopt similar scrutiny during future election campaigns. The directive highlights that no context—including political campaigning—exempts a rider from the mandatory helmet law.

All motorcyclists in Malaysia, including those in election campaigns, must wear an approved helmet at all times or face JPJ enforcement action.

Who Is This Directive For in Malaysia?

This directive is primarily aimed at motorcyclists involved in election campaign activities in Johor, but it serves as a reminder for all Malaysian riders. In a country where motorcycles account for over 47% of registered vehicles (2021 data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, MIROS), helmet compliance is critical. The directive targets a specific safety gap observed during political events, where riders may neglect safety for visibility or convenience. It also instructs JPJ officers to be vigilant during campaign periods, ensuring that road safety laws are uniformly enforced regardless of the rider’s purpose.

In Malaysia, where motorcycles make up nearly half of all vehicles, the directive reinforces that helmet laws apply universally, including during election campaigns.

Common Questions

Does this directive apply to all motorcyclists in Malaysia or only in Johor?

The directive specifically targets motorcyclists campaigning in the Johor state election, but the underlying law applies nationwide. JPJ may use this as a precedent for enforcement during future elections in other states.

What is the exact penalty for riding without a helmet during an election campaign?

The penalty is the same as any helmet offence: a compound fine of up to RM300 or court prosecution leading to a maximum RM1,000 fine or three months’ imprisonment. No special exemption exists for campaign activities.

Can a motorcyclist be exempted if they are part of an official political convoy?

No. Transport Minister Loke explicitly stated that the law applies regardless of context, including election campaigning. JPJ will issue summonses to any rider without a helmet, even in an official convoy.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Careta.my report titled “Loke Orders JPJ to Act on Helmetless Johor Riders” published on 28 February 2022. The report quotes Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook and references the Road Transport Act 1987. Penalty figures are derived from Malaysian road traffic legislation. No currency conversion was required as all figures are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). The article was last updated on 28 February 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original Careta.my source and the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333).