Arau Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Seri Shahidan Kassim has voiced his opposition to provisions in the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 that seek to raise the maximum compound cap for certain traffic offences from the current RM300 to RM500.
Speaking during the second reading debate of the bill in the Dewan Rakyat, Shahidan argued that many Malaysians are already struggling to pay the existing fines.
Objections and the call for instalment plans
“We don’t agree with RM500. Many people cannot even afford to pay RM300 now. Why should the amount be increased to RM500?” he asked.
“Many are struggling, especially when we can’t withdraw from the Employees Provident Fund (KWSP).”
Shahidan also proposed that the government allow traffic offenders to settle their fines through instalment payments. In addition, he suggested that penalties should take into account an individual’s financial circumstances.
Lessons from Finland and Sweden
He said Malaysia could look to countries such as Finland and Sweden, which have adopted more flexible approaches to traffic penalties.
“We can learn from Finland’s model, which allows fines to be paid in instalments. Sweden, meanwhile, imposes fines based on a person’s financial capacity, using a proportional system,” he said.
Calls for Tougher Penalties on Drunk Driving
Despite opposing higher fines for ordinary traffic offences, Shahidan recommended that Malaysia adopt stricter penalties for drunk driving, taking inspiration from Singapore’s legal framework.
He noted that in Malaysia, drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents currently face fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000, along with prison sentences of between 10 and 15 years.
“Under Singapore’s model, which Malaysia often looks to for reference, first-time offenders can be jailed for up to eight years, while repeat offenders face up to 15 years in prison. The fine can reach SGD100,000, equivalent to about RM300,000,” he said.
Shahidan argued that because Singapore’s penalties are roughly three times higher than those imposed in Malaysia, Singaporean citizens may still be tempted to drive under the influence when visiting Malaysia.
The Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2026 is currently being debated in Parliament as lawmakers consider measures aimed at strengthening road safety and improving traffic law enforcement.
What do you think of the Arau MP’s views?
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