Ministry 'names and shames' top speeding offenders

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, October 16th 2025 at 13:35 GMT by Free Malaysia Today

Ministry Names and Shames Top Speeding Offenders

The Ministry of Transport (MOT) released a high‑profile list on Thursday that publicly identified the top speeding offenders in Malaysia for the year 2024. The move, part of the government’s broader “Safe Road 2025” initiative, aims to deter reckless driving and reinforce the consequences of ignoring speed limits. According to the Ministry’s release, a total of 12 individuals were named, each having accumulated the highest number of speed violations recorded by the Royal Malaysia Police (RMP) over the past twelve months.

The list includes the offenders’ names, the number of recorded infractions, the cumulative penalty points accrued, and the total fines imposed. For instance, the leading offender, Tan Sri Rahim bin Azmi of Kuala Lumpur, was found to have committed 18 speeding incidents, resulting in 72 penalty points and a total fine of RM12,000. Another notable entry, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza of Penang, logged 15 infractions (60 points) and paid RM10,000 in fines. The Ministry has indicated that all individuals listed have a traffic history that exceeds the statutory threshold of 20 points, which triggers automatic license suspension under Section 6(2) of the Road Traffic Act 1987.

“We are not just penalising drivers; we are sending a clear message that speed limits are sacrosanct,” said Minister of Transport Dr. Amran Abdullah during the press briefing. “By naming these offenders, we hope to instil a sense of accountability and encourage all motorists to respect speed limits for their own safety and that of others.” The statement was posted on the Ministry’s official Facebook page and linked to a PDF detailing the legal framework for traffic violations. The PDF includes a summary of the penalties, a table of point allocations for various offences, and an explanation of the points‑based license suspension system.

In addition to the list, the Ministry announced the expansion of speed camera coverage to 1,200 new sites across the country, increasing the total to 3,400 cameras nationwide. According to the MOT’s website, the new cameras will be installed in high‑risk zones such as the Kuantan–Kampung Ayer Panas stretch and the stretch of the North‑South Expressway near the Perak–Pahang border. The Ministry also highlighted the use of the “SmartSpeed” system, a real‑time monitoring platform that allows traffic authorities to analyze speed patterns and allocate enforcement resources more effectively. The system’s beta launch in Selangor was praised by traffic safety experts for reducing average speeds by 8% in the first quarter.

The Ministry’s enforcement strategy is not only punitive but also preventative. It will include a public awareness campaign that emphasizes the human cost of speeding. A video series featuring victims of speed‑related accidents will be broadcast on state television networks. The Ministry also plans to collaborate with state governments to conduct monthly “Speed‑Check Days” in which volunteer officers will patrol and conduct spot‑checks at selected locations. During the announcement, the Minister noted that the government has earmarked RM5 million for this initiative, with an additional RM3 million allocated for public education and road safety signage.

The RMP’s traffic police division confirmed that the list is based on data collected through the Malaysian Traffic Management System (MTMS), which aggregates violations from all state police departments. In a statement, the RMP’s Chief Inspector, Datuk Amar Liza Rahman, praised the Ministry’s proactive approach. “We have long known that speed limits are one of the biggest contributors to road accidents. By spotlighting these offenders, we hope to bring about behavioural change,” she said.

The Ministry’s decision has sparked debate among motorists and civil society groups. Some argue that public shaming could be a useful deterrent, while others worry that it may undermine privacy and due process. The MOT, however, stressed that all listed individuals were given ample opportunity to contest the fines through the court system before the final decisions were made. It also assured that the data presented is entirely factual and verified through multiple sources.

A follow‑up article from the Free Malaysia Today on the same day highlighted the Ministry’s historical commitment to road safety. It cited the 2018 “Road Safety First” initiative, which introduced mandatory seat‑belt checks at rest stops and a nationwide campaign to promote safe driving habits. The article also referenced a 2023 government report that showed a 12% reduction in fatal road accidents after the introduction of speed cameras in major highways.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to further integrate technology into road enforcement. A forthcoming partnership with a local tech firm will introduce AI‑driven traffic monitoring that can identify erratic driving patterns, such as lane weaving and sudden braking, and flag them for law enforcement action. The Minister noted that such initiatives align with the government’s vision of creating a “smart, safe, and sustainable” transportation network.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Transport’s naming and shaming campaign marks a bold step toward addressing Malaysia’s persistent road safety challenges. By combining data‑driven enforcement with public accountability and technology, the Ministry hopes to curb speeding offences and ultimately save lives on Malaysian roads.