RM300 fine like peanuts to some motorists: M’sia’s police chief

KUALA LUMPUR — Police are considering a possible increase in the RM300 (S$101) compound fine for traffic offences as part of a move to come down hard on errant motorists.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said this was being mulled as some motorists were undeterred by the hefty fine introduced in 2013, which was doubled from the previous RM150.

Declining to state what the new quantum would be, he said Ops Selamat 8 launched earlier this month in conjunction with Chinese New Year had not made much of a difference in reducing the number of traffic offenders.

“The current RM300 fine appears to be like peanuts to some road users as many are still driving recklessly. It seems like offenders do not mind paying the fine,” he said without providing details on the number of accidents.

Mr Khalid said police were puzzled by the attitude of motorists who continued to ignore rules, especially the use of the emergency lane.

“There are many drivers using the emergency lane when there is no emergency. If we do not change the attitude of these motorists, the number of accidents will continue to increase.”

On enforcement under the operation, he said it had been stepped up in an effort to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities.

“Maybe the increase in compound can burn a hole in road users pockets and they will change their attitude,” he said.

Ops Selamat 7 in conjunction with Hari Raya last year saw 330 deaths during the 15-day operation. MALAY MAIL ONLINE