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The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced a strict enforcement strategy targeting owners of excessively modified motorcycles, who will now face direct prosecution in court under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987
JPJ Senior Enforcement Director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan announced the move at a press conference during the launch of Ops Motosikal (Ekstrem) at the Kuala Lumpur JPJ headquarters on Wednesday, 10 June.
Previously, the enforcement agency focused on standard administrative measures — such as issuing traffic compounds and impounding non-compliant machinery — to handle vehicle modifications.
However, the department is actively escalating its legal response to curb dangerous road behaviour, with authorities already opening three investigation files and securing consent to prosecute obtained from the Deputy Public Prosecutor.
Here are the most common modifications:
According to a report by Bernama, the most prevalent hazardous alterations detected include the installation of ultra-thin tyres (locally known as tayar sotong), unauthorised engine swaps, and extended structural swingarms.
Authorities also found cases where mechanics tampered with or erased data in the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) system. In more extreme instances, riders removed rear braking systems to reduce weight and mimic professional drag racing setups.
"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," Kifli stressed.
Image used for illustration purposes only.
Image via Gary Ho (Facebook)The issue remains critical, with more than 60% of fatal road accidents in Malaysia involving motorcyclists and pillion riders
Although the main offenders are youths between the ages of 18 and 30, enforcement officers have also intercepted school students as young as 12 riding these modified machines.
Meanwhile, JPJ has established a dedicated task force codenamed Team Falcon to execute weekly enforcement operations targeting illegal modifications.
Department statistics underscore the scale of non-compliance, with 848,885 notices issued to motorcyclists for various infractions in 2024, followed by 711,722 notices in 2025, and an additional 252,118 penalties recorded up to May 2026.
A total of 38,959 motorcycles have been impounded under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 since 2021.
Muhammad Kifli warned that enforcement will extend beyond riders, with registered vehicle owners also held accountable if the motorcycles are registered under their names
Looking ahead, JPJ is studying the legal feasibility of prosecuting commercial workshops and accessory shops involved in illegal modifications or the sale of uncertified parts.
The department will work closely with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and local municipal authorities to curb the spread of non-compliant components.
