02-07-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
16 bus passengers fined RM300 each for not wearing seat belts
ALOR STAR: The Kedah Road Transport Department (RTD) issued compounds to 16 express and tour bus passengers for failing to wear seat belts during an enforcement operation yesterday.
The operation focused on ensuring compliance with seat belt rules among drivers and passengers of long-distance buses.
A total of 18 buses were inspected, including 14 express buses and four tour buses.
Kedah RTD director Stien Van Lutam said two of the offenders were under the age of 18 and were instead given advice and advocacy, while the remaining 16 adult passengers were each issued a RM300 compound.
He said undercover RTD personnel were deployed on board buses to discreetly monitor and record violations by drivers and passengers, with compounds issued on the spot based on the recorded evidence.
"Our enforcement is not limited to roadblocks or terminal inspections.
"We also carry out undercover operations inside buses.
"If a driver or passenger is seen not wearing a seat belt, and we have visual proof, we will issue a compound," he told reporters when met after the operation near the North-South Expressway's Alor Star (North) Toll Plaza.
Stien said that enforcement was carried out under the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt) Rules (2008 Amendment).
He advised passengers to notify the bus driver if their seat belt is not in working condition before the journey begins.
Since Jan 1, 2020, express bus operators have been required to ensure that all seats are equipped with functioning seat belts.
Meanwhile, buses built before 2020 will be given time to install seat belts.
Starting from yesterday, express and tour bus drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belt s.
