PETALING JAYA: The 50% discount on three categories of summonses issued by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) received overwhelming response from the public on the first day of the offer.
There were even those who turned up although their summonses did not fall under the three categories, hoping for a reduction in their fines.
Checks with the Selangor and Negri Sembilan JPJ showed that the turnout at both headquarters had doubled the normal crowd with several hundred people showing up to take advantage of the discount offer that kicked off yesterday.
At the Selangor JPJ headquarters, staff opened up more counters to cater to the larger crowd.
A spokesman at the Negri Sembilan JPJ said there were many who did not qualify for the discount but wished to appeal and have their fines reduced.
“While many were happy to receive the discount, a few of them who had summonses that did not fall under the three categories learnt that they were not entitled to it, so they paid up in full and left,” said the spokesman.
The scene was repeated in several other JPJ branches including that in Petaling Jaya.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said on Thursday that the offer will be available for six months or until June 1 to encourage those with summonses to pay up or face a freeze on the renewal of their driving licences and vehicle road tax.
He said the 50% discounts are for offences involving speed limit and traffic light violations under the Automated Awareness Safety System, investigation notices (Notice 114), and affixed summons (Notice 115), all of which carry a fine of RM300.
Motorists who take up the offer will pay a flat rate of RM150 for each summons that comes under the three categories.
It is learnt that two million summonses under Awas remain unpaid.
Malaysia Tipper Lorry Operators Association secretary-general Tan Boon Hing described the move by the JPJ as compassionate and kind, especially to commercial vehicle drivers who are affected by the rise in the cost of living.
“It is timely as two festive seasons, Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, are not too far away.
“Many commercial vehicle drivers are finding it hard to eke out a living.
“However, with this offer, there is no excuse for the offenders to not pay up. A grace period of six months is very fair,” he said in an interview.
Several motorists who spoke to The Star were also grateful for the discount, noting that many had chosen not to settle their fines earlier as they could not afford to do so due to other financial commitments.
“Now with six months, those with multiple summonses can settle one or two each month,” said a motorist, who only wanted to be known as Azman. He has three summonses for speeding and illegal window tinting.
However, not all parties were delighted with the offer as they felt that it would lead to lax compliance with road traffic rules.
Negri Sembilan Lorry Operators’ Association treasurer Alvin Loke said although motorists, especially commercial vehicle drivers, appreciate the discount, such a move defeats the purpose of enforcement on errant road users.
He said on average, a lorry driver ends up with five or six summonses each year.
“It may be good news to many but hefty fines are imposed to serve as a deterrent.
“In the long run, if we continue offering discounts, motorists will not settle their summonses and will get into the habit of waiting for a reduction.
“Knowing that they will be paying lower fines may not deter them from breaking road traffic laws,” he added.
Negri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf said there were 254 people who showed up and almost RM45,000 in fines were collected in 235 transactions.