‘Real-time data capture, centralised database and independent oversight essential to prevent abuse and inconsistent enforcement’
PETALING JAYA: The government’s revamped Kejara demerit system can only succeed if underpinned by strong structural safeguards to prevent a repeat of past weaknesses, warns Universiti Teknologi Mara Malaysian Institute of Transport head of legal & quality Dr Siti Ayu Jalil.
“The system must have real-time automated data capture, a centralised, tamper-proof database, mandatory inter-agency integration, uniformed enforcement procedures, robust cybersecurity and transparent oversight.”
Siti Ayu said that the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) systems, dashboard cameras and smart traffic sensors would reduce manual errors and ensure timely, accurate recording of violations.
“A centralised database with audit trails and role-based access is essential to prevent unauthorised tampering of demerit points,” she said, adding that seamless integration between the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the police will allow effective cross-checking of offences and support uniform traffic compound rates.
“Clear enforcement guidelines, automated penalty issuance and a transparent digital appeals process are also crucial to ensure fairness.
“An independent oversight unit, continuous training for enforcement personnel and strong cybersecurity measures are vital for ethical and consistent system use.”
On the government’s plan to integrate Kejara with MySikap, licence renewals and road tax payments, she said the move will make penalties “unavoidable” but stressed that true behavioural change requires more than just system upgrades.
“To change driver behaviour, Kejara must be complemented with behavioural nudges, awareness campaigns and reinforcement strategies.”
Without them, the system risks merely catching repeat offenders without improving Malaysia’s road safety culture, she said.
While welcoming the standardisation of summons rates, Siti Ayu warned of potential enforcement gaps in rural areas where manpower and equipment are limited.
“Some officers may interpret or apply rules differently, leading to inconsistent enforcement,” she said, adding that retraining personnel, updating digital systems, managing public perception and handling disputes are also major challenges.
Ending summons discount campaigns, she said, is possible but difficult, given the public’s long-standing expectations.
“Removing discounts may trigger complaints or resistance, especially amid rising living costs.”
She highlighted possible unintended consequences, including increased attempts to evade payment, rising court caseloads, disproportionate impact on low-income groups and short-term revenue dips.
Siti Ayu recommended the government track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate Kejara’s impact on accidents, repeat offences and traffic fatalities, including:
road safety outcomes: reductions in accidents, fatal crashes and serious injuries;
driver behaviour: number of repeat offenders, compliance with traffic rules and improvements in driving habits;
enforcement consistency: timeliness and accuracy of summons processing and licence suspensions;
digital reliability: system uptime, data integration accuracy and AES camera performance;
high-risk driver identification: number of high-risk drivers and trends in offences; and
public trust: awareness, understanding and perceived fairness of Kejara.
“These indicators will help the government measure progress, identify gaps and refine the system continuously,” she said.
