This makes Singaporeans the biggest foreign offender group owing Malaysian traffic fines
As of 13 August 2024, Singaporeans are identified as the largest group of foreign motorists with outstanding traffic fines in Malaysia, collectively owing an estimated RM3.5 million (approximately SGD1 million). Well, it seems their fuel up and dash games in Singapore have recently been placing a heavy emphasis on the “dash” part, eh?
According to Utusan Malaysia, out of a total of 51,128 outstanding traffic summonses involving motorists from Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand between 1990 and June 2024, Singaporeans account for a significant portion, 35,011 summonses. This makes them the largest foreign group of Malaysian traffic fines offenders.
Moreover, motorists from Brunei and Thailand collectively owe about RM1.6 million in fines, highlighting a substantial contribution to the overall outstanding amount. This situation has prompted the Malaysian authorities to take action against foreign drivers with unpaid fines.
Commissioner Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, who is the Director of the Royal Malaysia Police’s Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department, stated that as part of the Foreigners’ Outstanding Summons Operation, measures will be enforced when these drivers enter or exit Malaysia.
The Malaysian government has also reported a staggering nearly 41 million outstanding traffic summonses, with an estimated RM4 billion still unpaid. Commissioner Yusri, who began his role on 15 July 2024, emphasised that traffic offenders will be sent notices requiring them to settle their fines.
On top of that, those who fail to comply may face blacklisting by the Road Transport Department, which could impact their ability to travel or drive in Malaysia in the future. The main traffic violations contributing to these fines include running a red light, driving on the emergency lane, overtaking at double lines, using a communication device or phone while driving, cutting queues, and speeding.
These offences have not only accumulated substantial financial penalties but also pose significant safety risks on the roads. The new enforcement actions aim to address the backlog of unpaid fines and improve road safety by ensuring that all drivers, whether local or foreign, adhere to traffic laws.
The increased scrutiny and potential consequences for outstanding fines are part of Malaysia’s broader effort to maintain orderly and safe roadways. It also doesn’t hurt that the ringgit is finally on the rise after being at an all time low so perhaps this may accelerate our economic stability.
We got all this from AsiaOne and their full article is linked here. Thank you AsiaOne for the information and images.
