Luxury car owners can't use RM300 exploit to skip road tax, says transport minister
Loke said paying the RM300 fine under the Road Transport Act does not exempt offenders from renewing their expired road tax.
'Even though the fine is cheaper than renewing their vehicle's road tax, that doesn't mean they can avoid it.
'They still need to pay their road tax before they can retrieve their vehicles,' he told reporters.
Yesterday, the Road Safety Expert Association (PPKJR) warned that the outdated Road Transport Act is being exploited by wealthy drivers, who are willing to pay the fine rather than renew their road tax and insurance — turning what should be a penalty into a routine payment.
The group said the current RM300 minimum fine fails to deter such offences and has not curbed the growing trend.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
3 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
FMM calls for clear guidance, support following US tariff on semiconductors
FMM has expressed concern over the US announcement to impose a 100% tariff on imported semiconductor chips, with exemptions only for companies that plan to manufacture within the US. (Pixabay pic) KUALA LUMPUR : Clear and timely guidance is crucial to maintain investor confidence and prevent disruptions to supply chains that are integrated with the US and global markets, according to the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM). The federation said targeted support measures are needed, including regulatory facilitation, specialised advisory services, bilateral engagements to ease market entry barriers, and access to financing mechanisms that reduce investment risks and costs. At the policy level, FMM urged the government to strengthen support for both domestic and outward investment strategies to ensure Malaysia's continued competitiveness in the global semiconductor industry. 'The National Semiconductor Strategy, which is currently being implemented, must be driven forward with greater urgency and focus, particularly in enhancing investment in integrated circuit design, advanced packaging, wafer fabrication, research and development, and talent development. 'In parallel, companies considering expansion into the US or other markets require dedicated facilitation to support their internationalisation efforts,' it said in a statement today. FMM expressed concern over the announcement by the US to impose a 100% tariff on imported semiconductor chips, with exemptions only for companies that manufacture or plan to manufacture within the US. This development has created uncertainty for semiconductor companies operating in Malaysia, particularly US-based firms that have long used the country as a trusted base for global supply and exports to the US market. FMM noted that establishing operations abroad is complex and capital-intensive, requiring time, expertise and sustained institutional support. Therefore, it stressed that these support measures are critical to help Malaysian manufacturers respond effectively to shifting global trade dynamics without being forced to relocate core operations. With the right support, FMM said companies can retain and grow high-value activities in Malaysia while also expanding strategically where necessary. It also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the government and international partners to ensure that Malaysia's position as a competitive, reliable and trusted hub in the global semiconductor and manufacturing ecosystem is not only preserved but continuously strengthened. Malaysia is globally recognised as a leading hub for semiconductor assembly, packaging, and testing, contributing an estimated 13% of global backend semiconductor output. Semiconductors were previously excluded from US reciprocal tariffs. The proposed policy shift has raised immediate concerns among manufacturers, many of whom are seeking urgent clarification on whether their Malaysia-based operations will now fall within the scope of the new measure.
Malay Mail
4 hours ago
- Malay Mail
From ‘mat rempit' to master: Terengganu's last glass craftsman keeps tradition alive
KUALA TERENGGANU, Aug 8 — A mat rempit (illegal street racer) in his youth, Rusman Nordin was dismissed as 'having no future' by the people who knew him. But that was four decades ago. Today, Rusman, 57, stands as Terengganu's sole active traditional glass craftsman, and among the few remaining in the entire country. Learning the art was the best thing that happened to him as it opened the door for him to earn a better living. After nearly 40 years of his involvement in preserving this heritage craft, the father of three now wears a proud smile as his delicate glass carvings, which he produces under his brand Kumin Kraf, are popular among local and international art enthusiasts. Met recently at his workshop at the Noor Arfa Craft Complex here, Rusman said his interest in the traditional craft began unintentionally, after being forced into it by his cousin, who did not want to see him wasting time loitering with fellow illegal racers. 'I started learning glass crafting in 1989 from a Chinese man at Jalan Kia Peng, Kuala Lumpur. Back then, I was forced into it by my cousin because I had no direction and spent most of my time hanging out with my friends,' he told Bernama. After nearly 40 years of his involvement in preserving this heritage craft, the father of three now wears a proud smile as his delicate glass carvings, which he produces under his brand Kumin Kraf, are popular among local and international art enthusiasts. — Bernama pic 'At first, I wasn't interested at all. But over time, as I got comfortable handling the tools as well as the heat and watched how glass could transform into something beautiful, I fell in love with it. Even more so when visitors admired and appreciated my work — that's what kept me motivated.' Rusman diligently mastered the craft over time, eventually producing a wide range of captivating glass sculptures well-suited as souvenirs, special gifts or home ornaments. He can produce between 20 and 30 small sculptures per day, each unique and eye-catching. He also keeps his prices affordable so more people can own a piece of his art. Rusman also said the glass used in his craft is imported from China and Japan. As for the crafting process, he first heats the glass using the lampwork technique, and with the help of special tools, he shapes it into sculptures of animals, letters of the alphabet and other items. ''Pyrex' glass is more expensive, but it's heat-resistant and better suited for detailed work, compared to soda glass, which melts easily and is more fragile,' he said, adding that glass crafting demands a high level of patience and caution as the risk of injury from sharp glass shards is ever-present. 'I myself have been injured many times.' Rusman gives a glass craft engraving demonstration at his workshop in the Noor Arfa Craft Complex (NACC) recently. — Bernama pic He added that while many people know about batik and songket, not many have heard of glass crafting. 'When they visit my workshop, only then do they realise glass too can be crafted into beautiful items,' he said. Rusman said the biggest challenge in sustaining glass crafting is the lack of interest in this traditional craft. He said most young people who come to learn drop out because they cannot endure the intense heat involved in the work. 'For now, I'm the only active glass craftsman in Terengganu. All over Malaysia, there may not even be 10 of us left,' said Rusman, who once considered quitting but held on out of a sense of duty to preserve this artistic heritage. Hoping more young people will explore this delicate art, Rusman is ready to pass on his knowledge to the next generation as he does not want to see this craft vanish. 'I hope the government and the relevant agencies can step in to reintroduce this craft to the community, whether through training, incentives or awareness campaigns. 'I'm not asking for anything for myself. I just want to see this art come alive again. In countries like China, glass art is celebrated. But here, we don't even seem to care,' he said. — Bernama
Malay Mail
5 hours ago
- Malay Mail
MOF: Budget 2026 to address healthcare affordability, strengthen education and labour market
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 9 — Budget 2026 will address key findings by the Joint Ministerial Committee on Private Healthcare Costs (JMCPHC), with a focus on tackling the issue of rising healthcare costs. The Ministry of Finance (MOF), in its Pre-Budget 2026 statement, said that the healthcare reform initiative aims to strengthen health security by ensuring access to affordable, equitable, and high-quality care. 'Key focus areas include enhancing protection for vulnerable groups, expanding access to affordable medicines, strengthening the primary care system in rural areas, digitalising healthcare services through telemedicine and electronic records, and preparing the system for future crises and an ageing population,' it said. Additionally, Budget 2026 will support the implementation of the education reform agenda under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), with a clear objective of developing talent equipped to meet the needs of Malaysia's high-growth, high-value (HGHV) sectors. According to the ministry, the government is committed to improving educational outcomes across all segments of society, regardless of socio-economic background, while also strengthening students' foundational learning. It added that the government will continue efforts to strengthen foundational education support to bridge the achievement gap, particularly for vulnerable and underserved communities. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and lifelong learning will also be strengthened, in line with the national workforce strategy and the demands of future high-growth sectors. The MOF also said that labour market reforms will focus on enhancing workforce marketability and expanding access to higher-income opportunities. In addition to implementing the minimum wage, these efforts aim to promote sustainable wage growth, to improve living standards and strengthen household resilience in the long term. This includes collaboration with industry to support career development, skills upgrading initiatives, and job structure reforms to foster balanced economic growth. 'The government remains committed to adapting its policies and strategies in response to the evolving dynamics of the current labour market,' said the ministry. — Bernama
