Riders Spending Up to RM18,000 on Extreme Motorcycle Modifications, Says JPJ
KUALA LUMPUR, June 11 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has detected a growing trend of extreme motorcycle modifications, with some riders reportedly spending as much as RM18,000 to alter their machines beyond approved safety specifications.
Senior Enforcement Director Datuk Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan said the trend has become increasingly widespread this year, prompting authorities to intensify enforcement operations targeting illegally modified motorcycles nationwide.
According to him, among the most common modifications identified are the installation of undersized “sotong” tyres, extended swing arms, engine replacements, altered electronic control units (ECUs), non-compliant exhaust systems and the removal of rear braking systems.
He said such modifications significantly increase safety risks and could contribute to more severe road accidents involving motorcyclists.
“JPJ has observed a worrying rise in extreme motorcycle modification activities. Some owners are willing to spend between RM5,000 and RM18,000 to customise their motorcycles.
“Based on motorcycles seized during enforcement operations, the highest confirmed modification value recorded so far is around RM9,000, although some cases are believed to involve significantly higher costs,” he said during a media briefing on Op Motosikal (Extreme) in Kuala Lumpur today.
Muhammad Kifli revealed that enforcement officers had also encountered cases involving underage riders, including one as young as 12 years old.
However, the majority of offenders detected during operations fall within the 18 to 30 age group.
He added that some of the motorcycles involved were registered under family members’ names rather than those of the actual riders.
To address the issue, JPJ has deployed specialised enforcement units known as Team Falcon in every state to monitor illegal racing activities, dangerous riding behaviour and unlawful vehicle modifications.
The department believes many of the modifications compromise vehicle stability, handling and braking performance, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
“When braking systems are removed, tyres are changed beyond approved specifications or engine performance is increased without proper controls, the risk to both riders and other road users rises substantially,” he said.
Muhammad Kifli noted that motorcyclists continue to represent the most vulnerable group on Malaysian roads.
More than 60 per cent of road fatalities nationwide involve motorcycle riders and pillion passengers, highlighting the urgent need for stronger compliance with safety regulations.
JPJ statistics show that 848,885 enforcement notices were issued in 2024, while 711,722 notices were recorded in 2025.
Between January and May this year alone, 252,118 notices were issued to motorcyclists for various traffic offences.
The department also reported that 38,959 motorcycles have been seized under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 between 2021 and May 2026.
Muhammad Kifli stressed that JPJ would continue pursuing legal action against offenders involved in reckless and dangerous riding practices.
He warned that illegal modifications, dangerous riding behaviour and riding without a valid licence remain serious offences that not only violate the law but also place lives at risk.
“Extreme modifications may appear attractive to some riders, but they often compromise safety and can lead to devastating consequences on the road,” he said.
