The Road Transport Act 1987, known as “Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987” in Malay, is a Malaysian law designed to regulate motor vehicles and traffic on roads, among other related matters. The Road Transport Act 1987 has regulations to ensure safety, order, and responsibility on the roads. Primarily, it governs the operation of motor vehicles and traffic conduct, establishing standards and procedures to maintain a smooth traffic flow and minimise accidents.
It provides a framework for protecting third parties from risks associated with motor vehicle use, ensuring that victims of road accidents or other related incidents have legal recourse. The legislation also addresses coordinating and controlling various transportation means and facilities, ensuring they are adequately integrated, safe, and efficient. It oversees the construction and adaptation of motor vehicles, ensuring they meet specified standards to ensure the safety of the occupants and other road users. Beyond these, the Act intends to create a safer and more organised road transport system in the country.
The Road Transport Act 1987 of Malaysia covers various aspects of road transportation, including regulations concerning alcohol, summons, and bicycles.
1. Alcohol (Alkohol)
The Road Transport Act 1987 has several provisions related to alcohol consumption and driving. Key sections include:
- Driving under the influence: It is an offense to drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Section 43).
- Being in charge of a vehicle under the influence: Similar to driving, being in charge of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is also an offense (Section 44).
- Alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit: Driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle with an alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit is prohibited (Section 45).
2. Summon (Saman)
The term “summon” might refer to legal notices or orders issued by authorities, typically for violations of the Act. It may require a deeper look into the Act to find the exact provisions or sections concerning summons.
3. Bicycle (Basikal)
The Road Transport Act 1987 primarily focuses on motor vehicles. It has a specific sections or clauses related to bicycles, especially concerning their use on roads, electric bicycle, safety regulations, and other related matters.
Akta Pengangkutan Jalan 1987 Amendments (Pindaan)
The Act, in its form as of February 1, 2013, is structured into 5 Parts containing 129 sections and 3 schedules, inclusive of 10 amendments. The Parts are categorized as follows:
- Preliminary.
- Classification, Registration, and Licensing of Motor Vehicles and Drivers.
- Classification of Motor Vehicles
- Registration of Motor Vehicles
- Licensing of Motor Vehicles
- Licensing of Motor Drivers
- Driving and Offences in Connection Therewith
- Licensing of Drivers and Conductors of Public Service Vehicles, Employees Vehicles, and Goods Vehicles
- Periodic Inspection of Motor Vehicles.
- Foreign Motor Vehicles.
- Roads.
- Provisions against Third Party Risks Arising out of the Use of Motor Vehicles.
- Offences and Miscellaneous Provisions.
The Act was passed on July 10, 1987, by the Dewan Rakyat (House of Representatives) and on July 17, 1987, by the Dewan Negara (Senate). It received royal assent on August 30, 1987, and commenced on September 24, 1987, becoming effective on January 1, 1988.
It’s also important to note that the Act has seen several amendments over the years, including in 1988, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2001, 2006, 2009, 2011, 2012, and 2020.
The information from the Ministry of Transport Malaysia confirms the act’s purpose in regulating motor vehicles and traffic, and protecting third parties against risks related to motor vehicle use.