Buckle up: Bus drivers, passengers must use seatbelts from July
KOTA BARU: Express and tour bus drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts beginning Tuesday (July 1).
Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said that for now, the rule applies to buses manufactured after January 2020.
Buses built before 2020 will be given time to install seatbelts.
He said that drivers must ensure all passengers wear seatbelts before the bus departs, and those who fail to comply will be fined RM300.
"Previously, we adopted an advocacy approach, but starting July 1, we will enforce it strictly.
"If drivers fail to remind passengers to wear their seatbelts, not only will passengers be fined, but the driver and the bus operating company will also be penalised.
"If the driver has reminded passengers, but they still refuse to wear seatbelts, only the passengers will be fined," Aedy said.
Aedy said that RTD will review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to confirm whether the reminder was given or not.
He added that RTD has discussed the matter with bus operators.
"We have issued guidelines, and we will not compromise on any violations committed," he told a press conference after an RTD assembly here.
Renewed calls for greater bus safety were made following a fatal bus crash on June 9 that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students.
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