Malaysia mulls extending mandatory seatbelt ruling to cover more bus categories
MELAKA - Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ) is considering extending the mandatory use of seat belts to cover additional categories of buses beyond express and tourist services, said Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
The JPJ director-general said the department is currently assessing whether it should be compulsory for other forms of public transport, such as school buses, to provide seat belts for their passengers.
'Presently, we are focusing on express and tourist buses on models manufactured after January 2020, which have seat belts installed.
'For other transport services, JPJ will issue directives in phases once the evaluation has been completed,' he said during an inspection at Melaka Sentral bus terminal to monitor compliance with the seat belt regulation that came into effect on July 1.
Mr Aedy Fadly noted that during the first day of enforcement, officers found that many passengers were unaware of the requirement to wear seat belts.
'On average, two to three passengers in each bus were found to be unaware of the regulation and we have issued summonses accordingly.
'JPJ officers also found that drivers had complied with the ruling and had advised passengers to fasten their seat belts before departure,' he said.
He added that JPJ will continue to carry out periodic and surprise checks nationwide from July 1 onwards to ensure compliance with the regulation and advocacy campaign.
Seat belts had been made mandatory for passengers on express and tourist buses from July 1.
The regulation applies to buses manufactured from 2020 onwards, which are required to be equipped with seat belts at every passenger seat, and those who fail to comply will be fined RM300 (S$91).
The move aims to enhance passenger safety and reduce fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents involving buses. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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