A bold move to revolutionize road safety in Malaysia is on the horizon! The Kejara driving licence demerit points system is getting a major makeover, and the impact will be felt by all drivers.
But here's the catch: the system's effectiveness has been questioned, with critics arguing it failed to penalize bad drivers. Transport Minister Anthony Loke acknowledged this, stating that the current system discourages people from paying fines, allowing dangerous drivers to roam free.
To address this, the revamped Kejara system will be tightly integrated with the MySikap platform and linked to driving licence and road tax renewals. This means that from January 2026, drivers who fail to pay their summonses will be blacklisted and unable to renew their licences or road tax.
And that's not all. The system will also be accessible through the MyJPJ mobile app, allowing motorists to monitor their demerit points and receive warnings. This level of transparency is a significant step forward in road safety.
But here's where it gets controversial: the government has convinced the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to standardize traffic compound rates, a first in Malaysian enforcement history. This means that from 2026, traffic summons rates will be uniform, with no more periodic discount campaigns. Is this a fair move, or does it penalize those who may struggle to pay early?
The transport ministry and the road transport department (JPJ) are under pressure to implement these changes swiftly. With a strict timeline in place, the new Kejara system is expected to be completed by mid-2026 and gradually rolled out thereafter.
The 50% summons discount has also sparked debate. Transport Minister Loke defends it as an amnesty period to clear outstanding compounds before the new system takes effect. But will this encourage rule-breaking? Loke warns that any remaining unpaid summonses after January 2026 will result in blacklisting.
The overhaul of the Kejara system has been confirmed by the JPJ director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, who acknowledges the time needed to address legal aspects and make amendments. Loke agrees that the current system is ineffective and believes the restructured demerit points will deter serial offenders.
So, will this revamped system finally bring the change needed to improve road safety in Malaysia? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Remember, every opinion matters in shaping the future of our roads.
