Thousands flock to pay discounted traffic summonses at unity week

New Straits Times

3 days ago

BATU KAWAN: 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 police.
A Bernama survey found that 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, said his company took the chance to settle outstanding summonses due to the attractive discounts available for various traffic offences.
"Most of the offences involved speeding in several states along the North-South Expressway (Plus), with total fines amounting to nearly RM5,000.
"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," he said.
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.
"My husband and I have more than three summonses for various traffic offences, and when there is an opportunity for a discount offer like this to pay at a discount, we take it.
"It helps us save money," said the mother of two, who resides in George Town, near here.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said 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.
He said that as of 5pm yesterday, police 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 9am to 5pm 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 is given to all types of traffic offences, except accident-related summonses, non-compoundable offences, Op Selamat cases, court proceedings, dangerous overtaking or 'queue-cutting' offences, misuse of emergency lanes, running red lights, illegal vehicle exhaust modifications, and overtaking on double lines.
Apart from police summonses, the public also took the opportunity to settle summonses issued by the Road Transport Department (RTD) as well as 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 22 Rumah Kita ethnic house exhibitions, a Kadazan Dusun and Orang Asli Ethnic Village showcase, the Foodunites culinary fair, the Time Travel Exhibition, Malaysia Tanah Airku Exhibition, traditional sports, Unity Entrepreneur Sale, Boria Competition, ethnic costume and dance contests, a book festival, and various cultural performances.
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.
– Bernama