Three Motorcyclists Fined RM3,500 Each Under Malaysia’s New Illegal Racing Law

Three motorcyclists, including a 19-year-old Singaporean national serviceman, have each been fined RM3,500 for illegal racing and dangerous riding on Malaysia's Second Link Expressway. The case is among the first reported convictions following the implementation of Malaysia's tougher illegal racing law on 16 October 2026.

The three individuals pleaded guilty at the Johor Bahru Magistrate's Court on 3 November 2026. Besides the RM3,500 fine, each offender faces four months in prison if they fail to pay.

The case highlights Malaysia's tougher approach towards illegal street racing and dangerous riding, particularly following amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987.

Key Takeaways

• Three motorcyclists were fined RM3,500 each for illegal racing and dangerous riding.
• One of the offenders was a 19-year-old Singaporean national serviceman.
• The incident happened on 18 October 2026, two days after the amended law took effect.
• First-time offenders can face fines between RM2,000 and RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.
• Repeat offenders face fines between RM5,000 and RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

What Happened on the Second Link Expressway?

The incident happened at approximately 2.10am on 18 October 2026 along the Second Link Expressway, involving three motorcyclists accused of participating in illegal racing and dangerous riding.

One motorcyclist was accused of riding at high speed and participating in a speed contest along the southbound stretch. The other two were accused of racing their motorcycles along the northbound section.

All three subsequently pleaded guilty before Magistrate Nur Fatin Mohamad Farid at the Johor Bahru Magistrate's Court on 3 November 2026.

Each offender received a RM3,500 fine, with a four-month prison sentence imposed in default of payment.

The case is significant because it represents one of the first reported convictions under Malaysia's newly amended illegal racing provisions.

Who Were the Three Motorcyclists?

The three individuals involved were aged between 18 and 24. They were identified in the court proceedings as:

• Syajahan Alfian Abdullah, 19: A Singaporean national serviceman charged under Section 42A(2) for allegedly riding at high speed and participating in a speed contest.
• Muhammad Daniel Hakim Mohamad Rashid, 24: Charged under Section 42A(1) for racing his motorcycle along the northbound Second Link Expressway.
• Gonzales Mckhovic anak George, 18: Also charged under Section 42A(1) for participating in the motorcycle race.

Syajahan's alleged offence took place at kilometre 12.5 of the southbound expressway, while the other two were accused of racing between kilometres 7.8 and 18.2 along the northbound stretch.

All three were prosecuted by traffic police prosecuting officer Inspector S. Vikineswary and were unrepresented during the proceedings.

What Is Malaysia's New Illegal Racing Law?

Malaysia introduced tougher provisions against illegal street racing through the Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026, which came into force on 16 October 2026.

One of its major changes is the introduction of Section 42A under the Road Transport Act 1987. This provision specifically addresses racing and testing speed on public roads.

The new section establishes illegal racing and speed contests as specific offences, allowing authorities to take action without waiting for an accident, injury or fatality to occur.

The amendments also cover other areas, including enforcement against activities that interfere with road transport enforcement operations and improvements to vehicle-owner accountability.

According to the Transport Ministry, the wider amendments contain 42 clauses intended to strengthen road safety, improve enforcement and modernise Road Transport Department (JPJ) services.

What Are the Penalties for Illegal Racing?

Under Section 42A, the penalties depend on whether the offender is being convicted for the first time or has previous convictions for similar offences.

First conviction:

• Fine between RM2,000 and RM10,000.
• Imprisonment of up to two years.
• Or both a fine and imprisonment.

Second or subsequent conviction:

• Fine between RM5,000 and RM20,000.
• Imprisonment of up to five years.
• Or both a fine and imprisonment.

The three motorcyclists in the Second Link Expressway case were each fined RM3,500, which falls within the penalty range for a first conviction.

These penalties demonstrate that illegal racing is treated as a serious road safety offence rather than simply a matter of speeding.

Why Is the New Law Important for Road Safety?

Illegal street racing puts more than the participating riders at risk. Other road users, including motorists, passengers and pedestrians, can also become victims of dangerous riding behaviour.

High-speed racing on public roads reduces the time available to react to unexpected situations. Riders may also lose control when navigating bends, overtaking other vehicles or encountering sudden changes in traffic conditions.

The introduction of Section 42A gives enforcement authorities a specific legal provision to address racing and speed contests before they result in serious accidents.

It also sends a clear message that public roads are not suitable locations for competitive racing, regardless of whether participants believe they can control their motorcycles safely.

What Should Malaysian Motorists Learn From This Case?

The case serves as a reminder that road safety laws apply to everyone using Malaysian public roads, including foreign motorists and motorcyclists.

Whether travelling on an expressway or an ordinary public road, motorists should avoid activities that put themselves and others in danger.

• Never participate in illegal street racing: Public roads are meant for transportation, not competitive racing.
• Observe posted speed limits: Avoid excessive speed, particularly on busy highways and expressways.
• Maintain a safe following distance: Give yourself enough time to react if the vehicle ahead suddenly brakes.
• Avoid dangerous overtaking: Only overtake when it is legal and safe to do so.
• Keep your motorcycle or vehicle in proper condition: Regular maintenance helps reduce the risk of mechanical failures.
• Understand Malaysian road regulations: Foreign and local road users should familiarise themselves with the laws before travelling.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much were the three motorcyclists fined in Malaysia?

Each of the three motorcyclists was fined RM3,500 for illegal racing and dangerous riding on the Second Link Expressway.

2. Was one of the offenders a Singaporean?

Yes. One of the offenders was a 19-year-old Singaporean national serviceman named Syajahan Alfian Abdullah.

3. When did the illegal racing incident happen?

The incident occurred at approximately 2.10am on 18 October 2026 along the Second Link Expressway.

4. When did Malaysia's new illegal racing law take effect?

The Road Transport (Amendment) Act 2026 came into force on 16 October 2026.

5. Which section of the Road Transport Act covers illegal racing?

Section 42A of the Road Transport Act 1987 specifically addresses illegal racing and speed contests on public roads.

6. What is the penalty for first-time illegal racing offenders?

First-time offenders can face a fine between RM2,000 and RM10,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

7. What happens if someone is caught illegal racing for a second time?

Repeat offenders can face a fine between RM5,000 and RM20,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both.

8. Can someone be charged for illegal racing even if nobody gets injured?

Yes. Section 42A allows enforcement action against illegal racing and speed contests without requiring an accident, injury or fatality to occur first.

9. Does Malaysia's illegal racing law apply to foreign motorcyclists?

Yes. Foreign road users who commit offences under Malaysian road transport laws can face legal action in Malaysia.

10. Does the new law only apply to motorcycles?

No. Section 42A addresses racing and testing speed on public roads. It is not limited to motorcycle racing.

Conclusion: Illegal Racing Can Come With Serious Consequences

The RM3,500 fines imposed on three motorcyclists mark an important early case under Malaysia's new illegal racing law. With Section 42A now in force, motorists and motorcyclists face clearer and stricter consequences for participating in illegal races on public roads.

For all road users, the message is straightforward: public roads are not racing tracks. Following speed limits, respecting other motorists and practising responsible driving remain essential to keeping Malaysian roads safer.

Want to stay informed about vehicle ownership and make smarter decisions when managing your car? Explore the Motorist platform for vehicle-related information and services.

Read More: Illegal Street Racing in Malaysia: New Fines and Penalties

Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, access live traffic cameras, and manage vehicle-related matters.