Environment Dept: M’sians Face Up to RM500k Compound If Their Vehicle Emits Too Much Smoke

Department of Environment (DoE) Director-General Dato Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar has announced that vehicles emitting gases beyond the legal limit can be subjected to compounds exceeding RM2,000.

According to a report by The Borneo Post, he shared that recent amendments to the law have allowed for stricter penalties, considering the compound rate was initially limited to RM2,000.

Offenders can be fined up to RM1 million if their vehicles emit gases beyond the legal limit

“The compound value is RM2,000, but through the amendment gazetted on 6 June 2024, and enforced on 7 July 2024, compounds can actually be issued at higher amounts,”

“For offences under the Clean Air Regulations, if brought to court, fines can reach RM1 million, and compounds can be issued up to half of the court-imposed fine – that is, RM500,000,” he said.

Compound limit is still in play, for now

He further explained that, during the transition period from the old Act to the amended version, the authorities will still issue compounds of RM2,000.

“In the future, we will increase the amount.”

“It is important to ensure that vehicles are serviced according to schedule, and that driving habits are not erratic – pressing pedals abruptly can increase emission levels,” he added.

How will the DoE know? 

This image is for illustration purposes only.

Inspections on diesel and petrol vehicles, such as motorcycles and more, will be done using specialised equipment that measures emissions and exhaust outputs.

“For diesel vehicles, action will be taken if black smoke is emitted. Petrol vehicles that exceed gas emission limits and motorcycles with excessive noise will also face enforcement,”

“Environmental consciousness is not yet a daily practice, but we hope it will eventually become a part of our culture. The keyword here is culture of life,” he said.

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