Latest news with #Regulations1978Amendment
The Star
27-07-2025
- The Star
Public transport users feel safer with seat belt ruling
The wearing of seat belts is now compulsory in express and tour buses. — Filepic 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.
The Star
03-07-2025
- The Star
Bus passengers urged to buckle up
ALOR SETAR: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has started enforcement to inspect express and tour buses in several states, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008), to see if drivers and passengers comply with the ruling to wear seat belts. The operations, which have been carried out since Tuesday, also found that although some buses had seat belts on the passenger seats, they were not in working condition. 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. Kedah Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Stien Van Lutam said they will be using undercover enforcement tactics to detect express and tour bus drivers and passengers who do not wear seat belts. 'Our enforcement is not limited to roadblocks or checks at bus terminals and rest stops. 'Through undercover operations, if drivers or passengers are found not wearing seat belts – and there is visual evidence – a compound will be issued. 'The use of seat belts is ultimately for one's own safety. In the event of an accident, we want to prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats due to not wearing a seat belt,' he said, Bernama reported. He said this during a seat belt enforcement operation targeting express and tour buses at the Alor Setar Toll Plaza (northbound) on Tuesday. During the operation, which began around 4.30pm, a total of 18 express and tour buses were inspected. Sixteen compound notices and two warnings were issued to passengers for not wearing seat belts. He added that inspections also revealed that many seat belts on the buses were not functioning properly, and JPJ will continue to work with the Royal Malaysia Police and other agencies to carry out similar operations periodically. 'This is a matter of safety. I urge bus operators to ensure that seat belts are available and in good working condition. 'In many cases, seat belts are fitted with the seats, but they're damaged or not usable.' Over in Selangor, checks by the state JPJ showed a high level of compliance from bus passengers using their seat belts following inspections carried out on 56 express buses and 26 tour buses. Of that figure, at least five were inspected at the Dengkil R&R Centre yesterday. JPJ officers were seen flagging down buses nearby along the Elite highway before forwarding them to the checkpoints there. Passengers were seen complying dutifully, with some even finding time to wave at the waiting media. Selangor JPJ director Azrin Borhan, who was on the ground, also personally spoke to several passengers and showed them the proper usage of the seat belts. Speaking to reporters after the checks, he said that he was pleased with the level of compliance in the state. 'We had checked five buses by random here and all passengers were found to have been wearing seat belts. 'Drivers also play an important role in reminding their passengers before heading off on their journey,' he said. Azrin said while the JPJ will issue summonses to those who do not comply, they will give reminders to underage passengers. 'Throughout these two days, we have found that almost all had obeyed the ruling. Continuous efforts will be conducted to ensure enforcement,' he said. Buses that had faulty seat belts will also be given strict reminders to rectify them 'as soon as possible'. 'If they still refuse to do so and ferry passengers, the bus owner will be issued a summons,' he said.
