No proposal to raise maximum fine for traffic offences

KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no proposal to increase the maximum fine for traffic offences even when the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill is re-tabled in Parliament in June.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat said there had been reservations over the proposed RM1,000 maximum fine and there would have been further discussions during the second reading in Parliament if the Bill had not been withdrawn.

“I see no reason why the fine cannot be maintained at RM300. We just need to beef up enforcement.

“Why is there a penalty? A penalty of RM300 or RM200 or even RM100 acts as a deterrent but it will defeat the purpose if it is overly burdensome. We do not want to burden the people,” he said after visiting the mobile clinic organised by his service centre in Cheras Indah yesterday.

The Bill, which had proposed that compound fines for traffic summonses be increased from the present RM300 to RM1,000, was withdrawn last week following complaints from backbenchers that it was not “people-friendly”.

Social service: Ong looking at a constituent who was having a health check in the mobile clinic yesterday.

Ong said the Bill was also withdrawn because the ministry would like to look into other proposed clauses.

“I have agreed for the Bill to be withdrawn so that we can obtain further feedback from the people, non-governmental bodies and stakeholders on other clauses in the Bill.

“It is to further improve the Bill before the Parliament sitting in June,” he said.

Ong also denied DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang’s statement that the Bill was withdrawn because of the Hulu Selangor by-election and that it had gone ahead without the Cabinet’s approval.

“I am appalled and disappointed with his gimmick of pulling wool over the public’s eyes. It is impossible that the Bill can be unilaterally tabled by a ministry without the Cabinet’s approval. Don’t tell me that a veteran politician like him does not understand the procedure,” he said.

However, Ong said the Bill’s proposed Automated Enforcement System, which would have video surveillance on roads, would remain and that the ministry would start an advocacy programme “as soon as possible” to familiarise the public with the system.

“The system will help curb accidents, speeding and breaking of traffic laws. The cameras will also help curb corruption,” he said. The Bill also seeks to introduce the serving of notice of camera-recorded offences to registered vehicle owners.