Unpaid Traffic Fines Reach a Staggering RM806.9 Million
The Problem
PETALING JAYA: More than six million fines, totaling approximately RM806.9 million, issued by the Road Transport Department (RTD) between 2010 and last October remain unpaid, as drivers and riders are hesitant to settle their dues.
The Consequences
The fines, covering a variety of offences such as speeding, running red lights and other traffic violations, have been a key factor in the increasing tally of fines issued. The highest outstanding fine was recorded in 2024, reaching RM286.2 million, compared to RM203.38 million in 2023, RM86.88 million in 2022, RM29.98 million in 2021, and RM8.86 million in 2020.
The Fines Apply to Various Vehicles
The fines apply to various types of vehicles, including motorcycles, cars, public transport, and goods vehicles.
A Large Number of Fines Issued and Settled
In this period, the RTD has issued more than 26 million fines for various offences, with 15 million of them settled, resulting in over RM2.3 billion in revenue.
RTD’s Action Plan
According to New Straits Times, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, the RTD director-general, stated that the department could impose restrictions, such as blocking the renewal of driving licenses or vehicle road tax, on individuals with outstanding fines.
Enhancing the MyJPJ App
He mentioned that the department has been actively educating the public about settling their fines and plans to enhance the MyJPJ app with new features to remind users about outstanding payments. "In the future, we will try to introduce new features in MyJPJ to notify the public about fine payments. Currently, the public does not receive these messages," he said.
Special Discount Offered
The RTD is encouraging the public to take advantage of a special discount announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke, which offers a reduction in fines until June this year. "We are offering a special fine discount of RM150 for three categories of fines under Section 53A of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), including fines from the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS) cameras, fines under Notice 114, and fines under Notice 115. For these three categories of fines, the public is required to pay RM300. I urge Malaysians to take advantage of this opportunity, as it is a one-time offer. The RTD has never provided such a reduction before," he stated.
Consequences of Ignoring Fines
He added that if the public continues to ignore their fines, the RTD is prepared to take legal action.
Conclusion
The RTD is urging the public to take advantage of this special discount and settle their outstanding fines. With the department’s efforts to enhance the MyJPJ app and educate the public about settling their fines, it is crucial that individuals take action to avoid further consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the total amount of outstanding fines?
A: RM806.9 million
Q: What are the consequences of ignoring outstanding fines?
A: The RTD may impose restrictions, such as blocking the renewal of driving licenses or vehicle road tax, on individuals with outstanding fines.
Q: What is the special discount offered by the RTD?
A: A reduction in fines of RM150 for three categories of fines under Section 53A of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), including fines from the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS) cameras, fines under Notice 114, and fines under Notice 115.
Q: How long is the special discount offer available?
A: Until June this year.