By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: The Perak Lorry and Bus Drivers Association has thrown its full support behind the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2025, saying the proposed legislation would strengthen road safety through tougher penalties for illegal street racers and motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The association said the amendments proposed by the Ministry of Transport are a timely measure to curb dangerous driving behaviour that continues to threaten the lives of road users.
Its Information Chief, Muhammad Firdaus Khan, better known as Captain Jeff, welcomed the proposed introduction of Section 42A, which would make illegal street racing and speed testing a specific offence under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Under the proposed amendment, first-time offenders could face fines of up to RM10,000 or imprisonment of up to two years, while repeat offenders could be fined up to RM20,000 and jailed for up to five years.
“The association believes tougher penalties will serve as an effective deterrent and send a clear message to irresponsible motorists.
“Dangerous driving not only endangers the lives of those involved but also puts other road users at risk,” he said in a statement today.
Muhammad Firdaus also voiced support for the strengthening of Section 44, which covers offences involving motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs that result in death or injury.
He said first-time offenders whose actions cause death could face between 10 and 15 years’ imprisonment and fines ranging from RM50,000 to RM100,000.
“Repeat offenders could face between 15 and 20 years in prison and fines of between RM100,000 and RM150,000.
“In addition, offenders will be disqualified from holding a driving licence for 10 years for a first offence and 20 years for a second offence, while licences will be revoked in cases involving fatalities,” he said.
Muhammad Firdaus also welcomed the ministry’s proposal requiring offenders to pay compensation to victims’ families, describing it as a fair measure that holds offenders accountable for the suffering endured by the families.
He said road safety remains a top priority for the association, which represents professional lorry and bus drivers who rely on the roads for their livelihood every day.
“We hope to see safer, more disciplined roads that are free from high-risk behaviour.
“We call on all parties, including road users, transport companies, commercial vehicle operators and the public, to support the government’s efforts to strengthen road safety laws in order to protect lives and safeguard the well-being of Malaysians.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. There should be no compromise with those who endanger the lives of others,” he said.
