Mca Youth Slams Jpj S Traffic Summonses Extension Says It Enables Irresponsibility

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AN MCA Youth leader has expressed concern over the decision by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to extend the RM150 flat-rate payment period for traffic summonses.
Its deputy chairman Mike Chong Yew Chuan said while the initial six-month window was a reasonable effort to ease financial pressure and clear backlogs, further extensions risk undermining the seriousness of traffic enforcement.
“Rather than promoting accountability, this prolonged leniency fosters a culture of complacency among road users, who now expect periodic discounts and delays instead of fulfilling their legal responsibilities,” he remarked.
“With 1.9 million summonses still unpaid, including over 1.4 million for speeding violations,  it is apparent the initiative has not delivered the desired results.
“Instead, it appears that many motorists have grown indifferent, showing little urgency to settle outstanding fines or improve their driving behaviour.
“This nonchalant attitude not only compromises road safety but also erodes public confidence in the transport enforcement system.”
Calling for Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook to be held accountable, Chong said as the lead policymaker Loke’s handling of traffic enforcement lacks firmness.
“Besides his dismissive attitude over a toddler’s death from a tragic toll plaza accident involving a heavy vehicle, (Loke’s handling of traffic enforcement lacks firmness,” he continued.
“Leadership requires making decisions that uphold long-term discipline, not short-term convenience.
“Flat rate compound fines of up to 50% off the original summons and extensions may win public favour, but they should not come at the cost of road safety and respect for the law.”
According to Chong, to restore integrity to the system and encourage responsible driving, there should be no furthe extensions to the RM150 flat-rate payment period for traffic summonses.
“Let the current deadline stand. Unpaid summonses should revert to full compound rates, with enforcement of blacklisting and demerit points,” he stressed.
Meanwhile, Chong proposed that repeat offenders be automatically blacklisted and barred from renewing their road tax or licences.
“There should also be a tiered penalty system in place where escalating fines are introduced to penalise delays and discourage waiting for discounts,” he said.
“JPJ should also collaborate with insurers to reflect traffic offences in policy costs while also resume road operations and integrate digital tools to track and penalise offenders in real time.”
Stressing that traffic laws are not optional, Chong said if JPJ and the Transport Ministry are serious about road safety, they must stop enabling a culture of avoidance and start restoring a culture of accountability. ‒  Focus Malaysia

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