Kuala lumpur: The atmosphere at the Batu Kawan Stadium compound remained lively today as crowds continued to gather ahead of the closing ceremony of National Unity Week (SMP) 2025, with thousands taking the opportunity to settle their traffic summonses at a discount of up to 50 per cent, offered by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the special counter for paying fines, which was opened last Thursday, received visitors not only from Penang, but also from neighbouring states such as Kedah and Perak. An employee of a private transport company in Seberang Jaya, Teh Wong Wei, 34, mentioned that his company took the chance to settle outstanding summonses due to the discounts available for various traffic offences. Most of the offences involved speeding on the North-South Expressway (PLUS), with total fines amounting to nearly RM5,000.
Teh Wong Wei shared, “After learning about the 50 per cent discount, my employer instructed me to make the payments yesterday. However, I couldn’t make it in time, so I came today…and it seems many others had the same idea.” For Natasha Amira Nazri, 32, the 50 per cent summons discount is a people-friendly initiative that provides real relief in settling outstanding summonses at a lower cost, viewing it as a valuable opportunity for all road users. She expressed that it helps her family save money.
Meanwhile, a PDRM spokesperson stated that the discount initiative is part of an effort to bring the police closer to the community, while offering the public a convenient way to resolve unpaid summonses. “Many took advantage of this opportunity. Not only does it help ease their financial burden, but it also reflects their commitment to abiding by the law,” he said. As of 5 pm yesterday, PDRM had collected RM675,000 in summons payments since opening 10 counters last Thursday.
A total of 45 police personnel, including staff from the Penang Police Contingent, were deployed for the four-day operation of the physical payment counters, which ran from 9 am to 5 pm daily. In addition to in-person services, payments could also be made online via the MyBayar PDRM portal in conjunction with National Unity Week (SMP) 2025. The 50 per cent discount applies to all types of traffic offences, except certain specified ones like accident-related summonses and dangerous overtaking.
Apart from PDRM summonses, the public also took the opportunity to settle summonses issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and discounted compounds offered by the Penang City Council (MBPP) and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP). Over 40 major activities were held throughout SMP 2025, including ethnic house exhibitions, a culinary fair, sports, cultural performances, and more.
According to the Ministry of National Unity, over 250,000 visitors from diverse backgrounds, religions, and cultures attended SMP 2025, reinforcing its role as a premier platform for fostering national unity among Malaysians.