KUALA LUMPUR: A whopping 41 million traffic fines, amounting to an estimated RM4 billion since 1990 through June of this year, remain unpaid by traffic offenders.
Of the total, approximately 51,128 fines, valued at around RM5.1 million, involve foreign nationals from neighboring countries including Singapore, Brunei, and Thailand.
Singaporeans top the list with 35,011 fines totalling an estimated RM3.5 million, reported Utusan Malaysia.
Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said the department will issue notifications to traffic offenders to inform them of their outstanding fines.
Motorists who fail to settle their fines could be blacklisted by the Road Transport Department (RTD).
Motorists can be blacklisted for six major offences: such as running red lights, driving i n emergency lanes, overtaking on double lines, using communication devices while driving, queue jumping, and speeding.
"Since 1990 up to June this year, a total of 40,962,240 fines, amounting to approximately RM4 billion, remain unsettled," Mohd Yusri was quoted as saying.
He called on the individuals to pay their fines promptly to avoid legal action and being blacklisted by RTD."
Payments can now be made online via MyBayar, so there's no need to visit a police station, said Mohd Yusri.
For foreign traffic offenders, police will enhance efforts to address unpaid fines when they enter or leave the country, he said.
Discounts for overdue fines are offered selectively and based on agency requests, according to Mohd Yusri.
However, a 50 per cent discount is automatically available within a month, as noted on the fine notice.
Mohd Yusri said annual promotions were held to encourage payment.
"We have seen substantial recoveries. Recent collections are estimated in the hundreds of millions of ringgit," he said.