00:00A transport expert has warned against linking traffic fines to an offender's income level,
00:07saying the move would foster social inequalities.
00:11One Agilwan Hassan agreed that tailgating was a dangerous practice among motorists,
00:16which must be curbed, but said a proposal that ties fines to the earning capacity of
00:20offenders would create the perception of unequal treatment.
00:24He said those required to pay higher fines would feel unfairly targeted while others
00:29may appear above the law, creating resentment.
00:33One Agil, founder of transport think tank MyMobilityVision, said the country has sufficient
00:38laws under the Road Transport Act 1987, but said there were weaknesses in enforcing the
00:44law.
00:45One Agil's comments come in response to a proposal by Wong Shaw Woon, chairman of the
00:49Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, suggesting that Malaysia emulate Finland,
00:55which imposes fines that are directly proportional to an offender's income level and the seriousness
01:00of the offence.
01:01One Agil said income-based fines worked in Finland because the country has a transparent
01:06income system and high trust in their institutions, unlike Malaysia.
01:12He also said there was a need to rebuild trust in road enforcement by ensuring fairness and
01:16accountability rather than create a two-tier system.
01:21Atasha Bust, FMT.
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