JPJ Warns Motorcycle Modifications Can Kill

JPJ Warns Motorcycle Modifications Can Kill: Enforcement Data and Safety Risks in Malaysia

The Road Transport Department of Malaysia (JPJ) is the federal agency responsible for enforcing road traffic laws and vehicle safety standards. In August 2026, JPJ Perak conducted Operation Extreme Motorcycle (Op Motosikal Ekstrem), targeting illegal motorcycle modifications that compromise rider and public safety. This enforcement action addresses a growing trend of extreme motorcycle modifications in Malaysia, including brake system removal, non-compliant tyres, and modified exhaust systems.

According to JPJ Perak Director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan, the modifications are so dangerous that they are akin to "racing to meet God." The operation inspected 146 motorcycles between 1 January and 19 August 2026, with 79 motorcycles receiving action and 37 motorcycles seized. The enforcement effort is part of a broader JPJ initiative to reduce road fatalities caused by unsafe vehicle modifications.

Key Facts

What Are the Most Dangerous Motorcycle Modifications in Malaysia?

The most dangerous motorcycle modifications identified by JPJ Perak include the removal of rear brake systems, the use of undersized "sotong" (squid) tyres, and the installation of "senapang" (rifle) exhausts. These modifications violate original manufacturer specifications and significantly compromise vehicle stability and braking performance.

JPJ Perak Director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan specifically highlighted the trend of riders removing rear brakes entirely, relying solely on front brakes. In a press conference at the JPJ Perak seizure depot in Ipoh, he stated:

"Apabila sistem brek diubah suai hingga membuang brek belakang, ia jelas membahayakan. Ini seolah-olah mereka mahu cepat menemui Tuhan."

— Mohammad Yusoff Abustan, Pengarah JPJ Perak, 20 August 2026

This translates to: "When the brake system is modified to remove the rear brake, it is clearly dangerous. This is as if they want to quickly meet God." The director also noted that some riders use tyres smaller than the manufacturer's original specifications, believing this increases speed, but this practice severely affects motorcycle stability.

JPJ Perak recorded 21 cases of extreme modification violations out of 247 total motorcycle violations detected between 1 January and 19 August 2026.

How Much Does Motorcycle Modification Cost in Malaysia?

Motorcycle modification costs in Malaysia can reach up to RM15,000, depending on component types and owner capability. Exhaust system modifications alone are estimated to cost between RM500 and RM2,000, according to JPJ Perak Director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan.

The cost varies significantly based on the complexity of modifications and the quality of components used. JPJ's enforcement data indicates that riders invest substantial sums in modifications that ultimately compromise their safety and the safety of other road users. The director emphasised that these modifications not only endanger the rider but also innocent road users.

"Kita tidak mahu pengubahsuaian ini akhirnya mengorbankan nyawa, bukan sahaja penunggang tetapi juga pengguna jalan raya lain yang tidak bersalah."

— Mohammad Yusoff Abustan, Pengarah JPJ Perak

This translates to: "We do not want these modifications to ultimately sacrifice lives, not only the rider but also other innocent road users." The high cost of modifications, combined with the safety risks, makes this a significant concern for Malaysian road safety authorities.

Motorcycle modification costs in Malaysia range from RM500 for exhaust systems to RM15,000 for comprehensive modifications, according to JPJ Perak enforcement data.

How Is JPJ Perak Combating Extreme Motorcycle Modifications?

JPJ Perak is combating extreme motorcycle modifications through targeted enforcement operations and collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN). The agency is addressing both the supply and demand sides of the modification market to reduce the availability of non-compliant parts.

JPJ Perak will conduct integrated operations with KPDN in the near future, targeting companies and spare parts shops that supply components contributing to extreme modifications. Director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan explained the strategy:

"Kita akan lihat dari sudut 'supply and demand'. Kita mahu kurangkan penawaran supaya keperluan itu tidak terus wujud dalam masyarakat."

— Mohammad Yusoff Abustan, Pengarah JPJ Perak

This translates to: "We will look at it from the 'supply and demand' angle. We want to reduce supply so that the need does not continue to exist in society." This dual-pronged approach targets both the riders who purchase modifications and the businesses that sell them.

During the enforcement period, JPJ Perak conducted three operations, inspecting each motorcycle for technical specifications, chassis and engine numbers, driving licences, road tax, and insurance coverage before taking action. Of the 146 motorcycles inspected, 79 received enforcement action and 37 were seized.

JPJ Perak's enforcement operations resulted in 37 motorcycle seizures out of 146 inspections conducted between January and August 2026.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This enforcement information is relevant to all motorcycle riders in Malaysia, particularly those in Perak and other states where JPJ conducts similar operations. It is also essential reading for motorcycle workshop owners, spare parts dealers, and road safety advocates concerned about the rising trend of dangerous vehicle modifications.

Malaysian motorcycle riders face unique conditions that make these modifications particularly hazardous. The tropical climate brings frequent rain, which reduces tyre grip on roads—a risk amplified by undersized "sotong" tyres. Malaysian roads also feature varied terrain, from urban highways in Kuala Lumpur to rural roads in Perak, requiring reliable braking systems. The removal of rear brakes, a modification trend identified by JPJ, is especially dangerous in wet conditions common during Malaysia's monsoon seasons.

For riders considering modifications, the financial and legal consequences are significant. Beyond the RM500 to RM15,000 modification costs, riders face motorcycle seizure, fines, and potential criminal liability if their modified vehicles cause accidents. JPJ's inspection protocol covers technical specifications, chassis and engine numbers, driving licences, road tax, and insurance coverage—meaning modified motorcycles are likely to be identified during routine enforcement stops.

Malaysian motorcycle riders risk motorcycle seizure, fines, and legal action if their vehicles fail JPJ technical specification inspections.

Common Questions

What happens if my motorcycle is seized for extreme modifications in Malaysia?

If JPJ seizes your motorcycle for extreme modifications, the vehicle is taken to a JPJ seizure depot, such as the one in Ipoh, Perak. You must undergo an inspection covering technical specifications, chassis and engine numbers, driving licence, road tax, and insurance coverage before any action is taken. The motorcycle may be released after rectification or forfeited depending on violation severity.

What are "sotong" tyres and why are they dangerous for Malaysian roads?

"Sotong" tyres are undersized motorcycle tyres that do not match the original manufacturer specifications. JPJ Perak Director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan stated that riders use these tyres believing they increase speed, but they severely compromise motorcycle stability. On Malaysian roads, especially during tropical rain, these tyres significantly increase accident risk due to reduced grip and stability.

How much does it cost to modify a motorcycle exhaust system in Malaysia?

Motorcycle exhaust modification costs in Malaysia range from RM500 to RM2,000, according to JPJ Perak enforcement data. However, total motorcycle modification costs can reach up to RM15,000 depending on component types and owner capability. These modifications are illegal under Malaysian road traffic regulations and can result in motorcycle seizure and enforcement action.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Careta article titled "JPJ - 'Ubah suai motosikal seolah mahu cepat menemui Tuhan'" published on 20 August 2026, reporting on a press conference by JPJ Perak Director Mohammad Yusoff Abustan at the JPJ Perak seizure depot in Ipoh. The original source is in Malay; all quotes have been translated to English with the original Malay text preserved for verification.

All statistics, quotes, and enforcement data are drawn directly from the source material. No additional data has been invented or extrapolated. Currency figures are presented in Ringgit Malaysia (RM) as stated in the original source. The source URL is: https://careta.my/article/jpj-ubah-suai-motosikal-seolah-mahu-cepat-menemui-tuhan

This article was last updated on 20 August 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the JPJ Perak press conference coverage by Careta. The original source length was 3,426 characters.