“Pay Early, Pay Less” Can Curb Habitual Traffic Offenders - Experts

Starting next year, Malaysia will introduce a “pay early, pay less” traffic summons system designed to discourage motorists from delaying fine payments. 

The system offers small rebates for prompt payment, while full fines will be imposed after 30 days of non-payment.

Road Safety Council of Malaysia executive council member Datuk Suret Singh called it a “game changer,” noting that while responsible drivers usually pay on time, many habitually wait for seasonal discount periods. 

"The policy strengthens the Kejara demerit point system, which imposes stricter penalties on repeat offenders," he told The Star.

Experts stressed that the move addresses a long-standing problem where discount campaigns undermined the deterrent effect of fines. 

Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua from Universiti Putra Malaysia said frequent discounts turned fines into flexible revenue tools rather than a method to prevent dangerous driving. 

“High fines are meant to influence behaviour before accidents happen, but repeated discounts reduce their impact,” he explained in the same report.

Criminologist P. Sundramoorthy noted that the popularity of previous discount periods highlighted how entrenched the discount culture is among Malaysian motorists. 

"Predictable and consistent enforcement is key to changing behaviour, while sporadic waivers risk normalizing non-compliance," he concluded.

Source: The Star.