Transport Minister Anthony Loke explained that the authorities can still impose a lower fine for a violation on a case-to-case basis, countering allegations that the increment would lump lesser serious offences together with more serious violations. — Picture by Yusof Isa Earn a fixed rate of up to 4.2%* p.a. for 210 days with Versa Save! Plus, enjoy an additional FREE RM10 when you sign up using code VERSAMM10 with a min. cash-in of RM100 today. T&Cs apply. By Syed Jaymal Zahiid Wednesday, 24 Jun 2026 6:07 PM MYT KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke today defended his ministry’s push to raise the penalty for traffic violations to RM500, amid some pushback from Opposition lawmakers who said the move could disproportionately penalise lower income road users.MOT had proposed the increment as part of several amendments to the Road Transport Act tabled Monday, as Loke vowed to impose harsher penalties amid concerns over the rising cases of non-compliance and road safety.Loke explained that the authorities can still impose a lower fine for a violation on a case-to-case basis, countering allegations that the increment would lump lesser serious offences together with more serious violations.“Not all offences will be slapped with a RM500 compound. This is the maximum rate that takes into account the type of traffic violation, seriousness, duration of payment and implementation policy,” the minister said when winding up the second reading debates on the Amendment Bill.“Even now we have the policy of the quicker you pay the less you’d have to. So the RM500 is not across the board.”MORE TO COME