JPJ to haul extreme bike modifiers to court under tougher enforcement push

KUALA LUMPUR, June 10 — Following a rising trend in extreme motorcycle modifications, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is adopting a new enforcement approach by taking these cases straight to court under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987.

JPJ senior enforcement director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said so far three investigation papers have been opened under the provision and received consent for prosecution from the Deputy Public Prosecutor.

He said the move marks a new strategy for JPJ, which previously focused on standard enforcement actions such as issuing compounds and seizing vehicles.

“We have detected motorcyclists riding dangerously and recklessly... what is most disheartening and highly dangerous is that these riders have removed their rear brakes. Imagine riding a motorcycle with no brakes.

“Any motorcycle found with extreme modifications will be seized, and we will prosecute the rider involved,” he told a press conference during the Ops Motosikal (Ekstrem) operation at the Kuala Lumpur JPJ headquarters here today.

Muhammad Kifli said over 300 extremely modified motorcycles have been seized since the start of this year, with Kuala Lumpur recording the highest number of seizures.

He added that common modifications detected included the use of ultra-thin tyres, locally known as tayar sotong; unauthorised engine swaps; installation of extended swingarms; modifications to or erasure of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system; and removal of rear brakes.

“JPJ takes a serious view of this trend of extreme motorcycle modifications that do not comply with set specifications because it compromises the original safety features of the vehicle and increases the risk of road accidents.

“Those involved are mostly youths aged 18 to 30, but there are also cases involving school students as young as 12,” he said.

To strengthen operations, he said a special task force, known as Team Falcon, carries out weekly enforcement actions to track down highly modified motorcycles and riders.

Based on the JPJ database, he said a total of 848,885 JPJ(P)22 notices were issued to motorcyclists for various offences in 2024. This was followed by 711,722 notices in 2025 and 252,118 notices up to May this year.

Muhammad Kifli said from 2021 until this year, a total of 38,959 motorcycles have been seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 for violating legal provisions.

Commenting on action against vehicle owners, he said summonses would be issued not only to riders but also to registered owners, including parents if the vehicle is registered under their names.

On potential action against workshops conducting illegal motorcycle modifications, he said JPJ is currently studying the legal aspects and will conduct further reviews before making any announcements.

He added that JPJ would also collaborate with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and local authorities to ensure that the components used comply with established regulations. — Bernama