Kuala lumpur: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is in the final stages of reviewing new enhancements to the Demerit Points System for Traffic Offences (Kejara). This system is aimed at removing serial offenders and dangerous drivers from the roads.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli confirmed that the improvements are part of a comprehensive overhaul of the Kejara system, as previously announced by Transport Minister Anthony Loke. “The Kejara system is currently in the final review stage at JPJ before we take it to the Transport Ministry for consideration on what improvements will be implemented to the new Kejara system,” he stated during a press conference following an engagement session with the Association of Lorry Operators and Express Tourism Bus Operators focused on road safety initiatives.
Aedy Fadly emphasized that the enhancement process is time-consuming due to the involvement of legal aspects and required amendments. “Amendments to the procedures will take time because it needs to go through higher levels such as the Attorney-General and so on,” he explained.
Previously, Minister Loke revealed that the Kejara system would soon undergo an overhaul as it is currently ineffective and considered a failure. Under the existing system, demerit points are deducted only after a traffic offender pays the summons or is charged in court, rather than upon the issuance of the summons notice.
The Kejara system assigns demerit points to drivers who commit specified offences under the Road Transport Act 1987 and its regulations. A total of 20 offences, identified as potentially leading to serious or fatal accidents, are included in the new demerit point system.
In addition, Aedy Fadly noted that holders of the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) and Goods Vehicle Licence (GDL) involved in serious accidents will undergo a specific process to determine whether their licences should be suspended. “JPJ will not immediately suspend a licence. A show-cause notice will be issued first and an assessment will be made on whether or not suspension is necessary. The state JPJ director is authorised to make this decision,” he explained.
He clarified that the suspension would only affect PSV and GDL licences and not the Malaysian Driving Licence (LMMy) for the drivers involved. “So far, five drivers have had their PSV licences suspended. It is not permanently suspended. It is temporary and comes with a specific term and duration,” he added.
Regarding the engagement session held that day, Aedy Fadly mentioned that JPJ updated stakeholders on the ongoing efforts to improve road safety. “The participants have given very positive feedback and asked that JPJ regularly hold town hall discussions, which we initiated for the first time this year. My team and I have agreed to hold these town hall dialogues periodically at the request of the industry,” he concluded.