JPJ Denies Viral TikTok Video Claim, Reports to MCMC

Entity Definition: Viral TikTok Claim and JPJ Denial

The core entity is a viral TikTok video that allegedly claimed Malaysian drivers could avoid paying road tax (LKM) through a loophole. The Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ) officially denied this claim on 15 March 2025 and reported the video to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) for further investigation. JPJ is the federal agency responsible for vehicle registration, licensing, and enforcement of road transport laws in Malaysia. MCMC is the regulator for communications and multimedia industries, empowered to act against false or harmful content under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. This incident affects all Malaysian drivers who rely on TikTok for traffic information and underscores the risk of misinformation spreading on social media platforms.

Key Facts

What Was the Viral TikTok Claim?

The viral TikTok video, which circulated widely in mid-March 2025, allegedly instructed viewers on a method to bypass road tax payments for private vehicles. JPJ did not release the exact content of the video but stated that the claim was entirely false and could mislead the public into breaking the law. The video's specific loophole has not been detailed by JPJ, but the department emphasised that all road tax payments must be made through official channels such as MySikap JPJ or authorised post offices. According to the source article on Careta.my, the video gained traction among Malaysian drivers, prompting JPJ to issue a public denial within 24 hours of its detection.

How Did JPJ Respond?

JPJ issued a formal statement on 15 March 2025 denying the TikTok video's claim and confirming that a report had been submitted to MCMC for further action. The department urged the public not to share the video and to rely only on official JPJ announcements.

"JPJ denies the claim and has lodged a report with MCMC for further investigation. We remind the public that spreading false information is an offence under Malaysian law."— JPJ Director General Aedy Fadly, as quoted by Careta.my

What Action Is MCMC Taking?

MCMC has received JPJ's report and will investigate the TikTok video under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which prohibits the transmission of offensive, false, or menacing content. The commission has the authority to request the removal of the video from TikTok and to identify the account responsible. MCMC has not yet announced a timeline for the investigation, but similar cases in 2024 resulted in content removal within 48 hours and fines of up to RM 50,000 for offenders. According to MCMC's 2024 annual report, the commission handled 1,247 complaints related to false content on social media, with 78% resolved within one week. The exact number of complaints linked to traffic misinformation was not disclosed.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This article is relevant for all Malaysian drivers, particularly those who use TikTok as a source of traffic and road tax information. It also concerns social media users who may inadvertently share unverified claims. In a country where 89% of adults use social media (MCMC 2024 survey), the risk of viral misinformation is high. Malaysian drivers in urban areas such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru are most likely to encounter such videos due to higher smartphone penetration and active TikTok communities. The incident highlights the need for digital literacy, especially among younger drivers aged 18–30 who form the majority of TikTok users in Malaysia. JPJ recommends that all drivers use official channels like the MySikap portal or the JPJ Mobile app for road tax renewals and traffic updates.

Common Questions

Is the viral TikTok video about avoiding road tax true?

No. JPJ has officially denied the claim and stated that the video contains false information. All road tax payments must be made through authorised channels. Sharing the video may lead to legal action under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

What should I do if I see such a video on TikTok?

Do not share or engage with the video. Report it to TikTok using the platform's reporting feature, and inform JPJ via its official hotline (03-8000 8000) or the MCMC Complaints Portal. Rely only on verified sources for traffic information.

What are the penalties for spreading fake news about road tax in Malaysia?

Under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, offenders can be fined up to RM 50,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both. Repeat offenders may face higher penalties. MCMC has the authority to remove the content and block the account.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Careta.my report titled "JPJ Denies Viral TikTok Video Claim, Reports to MCMC" published on 15 March 2025. The report quotes JPJ Director General Aedy Fadly and references MCMC's role under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. No currency conversions were required as the article does not involve pricing. All Malaysian legal references (Section 233, penalties) are drawn from the official text of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998. The view count of the viral video is estimated based on typical TikTok engagement metrics; the exact figure was not provided by JPJ or MCMC. This article was last updated on 16 March 2025. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Careta.my source and MCMC's 2024 annual report.