Public transport users feel safer with seat belt ruling
THE enforcement of seat belt use for passengers and drivers on express and tour buses nationwide has received positive feedback.
A French tourist, who wished to be known as Farida and was travelling around the country with her husband and three daughters, gave it a thumbs up.
'In our country, it is not mandatory to wear seat belts on city buses and as such, we forgot to fasten up when we arrived in Malaysia.
'It is always good to use the seat belt as it can save lives,' she told StarMetro while waiting for a bus at the Larkin Sentral bus terminal in Johor Baru.
Human resource executive Yap See Wei, who commutes between Johor Baru and her workplace in Singapore, described it as a positive step.
'Wearing a seat belt can ensure passengers are not flung out in the event of an accident.
'I always fasten my seat belt, especially for long-distance travel.'
She also suggested that stricter action be taken against repeat offenders.
Polytechnic student S. Theivaanaath, who was travelling back to Seremban with his sister after a term break, also welcomed the enforcement.
Yap (left), pictured with her sister says she feels safer now that the seat belt ruling has been enforced.
'I think it is for everyone's safety. When we wear seat belts, we can reduce the chances of serious injuries or death during an accident.
'Even the bus driver wore a seat belt and reminded us, too.
'So, I think the enforcement is working,' he said, adding that it should be continuous.
Universiti Kuala Lumpur student Siti Noorsyahirah Mohammad Yusof said authorities should focus on the conduct of bus drivers.
'I take long-distance express buses weekly to return to my hometown in JB and I have seen drivers playing games, making loud video calls at night on their phones and even hurling insults at other motorists.
'Passengers can be fined for not wearing seat belts but what about the drivers?
'Shouldn't they face stricter consequences since they are the ones who drive recklessly and cause accidents?'
She also shared her frightening experience during a trip returning from her campus in Kuala Lumpur to Johor Baru.
'We were all sleeping when suddenly, there was a strong, burning smell.
'A passenger at the back started shouting to alert the driver.
'At first, he ignored it. Only after a while did he stop to check on the vehicle's condition.
'Everyone had been worried that the bus would catch fire if the driver did not stop to inspect the source of the burning smell.'
It was reported that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) had enforced the installation and use of seat belts for all express and tour buses starting July 1.
This is in line with Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008).
For the first offence of not wearing a seat belt, the fine is RM2,000 or a jail term of not more than six months.
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