04-07-2025
Pahang RTD: Fines only if seat belts removed during journey
KUANTAN: The Pahang Road Transport Department (RTD) does not issue fines indiscriminately to express and tour bus drivers or passengers who fail to wear seat belts.
Its director, Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya Syed Abdul Rahman, said instead, the department provides briefings before express and tour buses begin their journey.
However, Syed said some drivers and passengers were fined after removing their seat belts during the journey, despite having worn them initially.
"RTD doesn't simply fine or victimise drivers and passengers with a RM300 compound.
"Advocacy efforts are carried out first, and the wearing of seat belts is ensured. Only then are compounds issued if the seat belts are removed mid-journey.
"There's no real excuse for them to do so, but it's possibly due to discomfort or unfamiliarity with wearing seat belts," he said to the media after the Express and Tour Bus Seat Belt Advocacy Programme at Terminal Kuantan Sentral last night.
Syed said that from July 1 until 7pm yesterday, 19 people, including five drivers, were fined for not wearing seat belts.
"As such, RTD will conduct undercover operations throughout the enforcement period to ensure both drivers and passengers comply with the regulations," he said.
Syed also urged all express and tour bus operators to ensure their seat belts are in proper working condition.
"This is part of RTD's ongoing efforts to ensure all vehicles meet safety standards and to reduce the risk of fatal road accidents," he added.
Yesterday, the New Straits Times reported that three foreign bus passengers and a bus driver were among seven people who were issued the RM300 compound by the Pahang RTD for seat belt violations on July 1.
Starting July 1, all express and tour bus drivers and passengers are required to buckle up.
