JAS Set To Remove RM2,000 Emissions Compound Cap

Vehicles that exceed emission limits may soon face compounds higher than the current RM2,000, said Department of Environment (JAS) director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar.

He said amendments to the Environmental Quality Act, enforced on July 7, 2024, now allow far heavier penalties. Offences taken to court can be fined up to RM1 million, with compounds of up to RM500,000 permitted. 

For now, however, officers are still issuing the existing RM2,000 compounds during the transition to the amended law.

Wan Abdul Latiff revealed this at the launch of the National Motor Vehicle Operation Week held alongside the 2025 World Ozone Day programme.

He reminded motorists that poor maintenance and erratic driving, especially sudden acceleration, can push emissions above legal thresholds. Compounds are typically issued to drivers, though commercial vehicle offences previously involved both the driver and the company.

The nationwide operation will check diesel and petrol vehicles, as well as motorcycles, using specialised equipment to measure emissions. Diesel vehicles emitting black smoke, petrol vehicles breaching gas limits and noisy motorcycles will face enforcement.

He said the campaign aims to encourage Malaysia’s 33 million vehicle owners to maintain their vehicles and comply with the Environmental Quality Act 1974. Even with cleaner fuels and modern engines, lack of upkeep can still lead to high pollution levels, especially in cities.

Wan Abdul Latiff urged Malaysians to make environmental awareness a daily habit, calling it a culture that needs to be strengthened.

Source: MalayMail