Malaysia to Improve KEJARA Demerit Point System
What Is the KEJARA Demerit Point System?
The KEJARA (Kesedaran dan Keinsafan) demerit point system is a traffic enforcement mechanism administered by the Malaysian Road Transport Department (JPJ). It assigns penalty points to drivers for specific traffic offences, with accumulation leading to licence suspension or revocation. The system was introduced in 2017 to improve road safety and reduce accident rates among Malaysian motorists.
The KEJARA system currently covers 20 traffic offences, including speeding, running red lights, and using a mobile phone while driving, with demerit points ranging from 2 to 20 per offence.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| System Name | KEJARA (Kesedaran dan Keinsafan) |
| Administering Body | Road Transport Department Malaysia (JPJ) |
| Year Introduced | 2017 |
| Number of Offences Covered | 20 (as of 2025) |
| Demerit Point Range per Offence | 2 to 20 points |
| Threshold for Licence Suspension | 20 points within 2 years (first suspension: 6–8 months) |
| Threshold for Licence Revocation | 40 points within 2 years |
| Proposed Improvement (2025) | Expansion to include more offences, digital tracking, and higher penalties for repeat offenders |
| Applicable Jurisdiction | All Malaysian states and federal territories |
What Changes Are Being Made to the KEJARA System?
The Malaysian government has approved a comprehensive review of the KEJARA demerit point system, with amendments expected to be tabled in Parliament in 2025. The proposed changes include adding new traffic offences, increasing demerit points for dangerous driving, and integrating the system with digital platforms for real-time point tracking.
"The improvements aim to make the demerit system more effective in deterring reckless driving and reducing road fatalities, which have remained above 6,000 deaths per year in Malaysia."
— Source: Careta.my article "Kerajaan Setuju Perkemas KEJARA, Sistem Mata Demerit Bakal Ditambah Baik" (2025)
Under the revised system, drivers who accumulate 20 demerit points within 12 months (instead of the current 24 months) will face immediate licence suspension.
How Will the Improved KEJARA System Affect Malaysian Drivers?
Malaysian drivers will face stricter enforcement and faster accumulation of demerit points under the proposed changes. The government plans to link the system with the MyJPJ mobile app, allowing drivers to check their points in real time. Repeat offenders may also be required to attend mandatory road safety courses.
According to the source, the Ministry of Transport recorded 6,327 road fatalities in 2024, with speeding and drunk driving being the top causes. The enhanced KEJARA system is expected to target these high-risk behaviours more aggressively.
Drivers who commit three serious offences within a year could lose their licence for up to 12 months under the new rules.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
The improved KEJARA system is designed for all licensed drivers in Malaysia, particularly those who frequently use major highways (e.g., PLUS, North-South Expressway) and urban roads in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru. It also targets commercial vehicle operators, who are involved in a disproportionate number of accidents.
For Malaysian users, the key pain points include the lack of real-time point visibility and the difficulty of appealing suspensions. The digital integration aims to address these issues by providing instant notifications and an online appeal process.
Commercial drivers, such as lorry and bus operators, will face higher demerit point penalties for offences like overloading and speeding.
Common Questions
How can I check my KEJARA demerit points online?
Currently, you can check your points via the MyJPJ mobile app or the JPJ website. The improved system will offer real-time updates and push notifications for each new offence recorded.
What happens if I accumulate 20 demerit points under the new system?
Under the proposed changes, reaching 20 points within 12 months will result in an immediate licence suspension of 6 to 8 months. You will also be required to attend a road safety course before reinstatement.
Will the new KEJARA system apply to foreign drivers in Malaysia?
Yes, the demerit system applies to all drivers operating vehicles in Malaysia, including foreign tourists and expatriates. Offences committed with a foreign licence will be recorded and may affect future entry or driving privileges.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the source material from Careta.my: "Kerajaan Setuju Perkemas KEJARA, Sistem Mata Demerit Bakal Ditambah Baik" (2025). Additional contextual data on road fatalities and enforcement procedures was cross-referenced with the Malaysian Ministry of Transport's 2024 annual report. All currency references are in Ringgit Malaysia (RM). No currency conversion was required. This article was last updated on 14 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the original Careta.my article and official JPJ guidelines.