The Kedah Road Transport Department (JPJ) identified 18 instances of passengers on express and tour buses failing to wear seat belts during a targeted enforcement operation conducted yesterday.
Kedah JPJ Director Stien Van Lutam reported that the operation involved inspecting 18 buses, comprising 14 express buses and four tour buses.
He noted that two violators under the age of 18 received verbal warnings, while the remaining 16 passengers were each fined RM300.
“Effective immediately, Kedah JPJ is enforcing mandatory seat belt use for drivers and all passengers on express and tour buses,” Stien announced during a press conference at the Alor Setar North Toll Plaza. “This aligns with the Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978, as amended in 2008.”
Stien emphasized that this initiative seeks to minimize the risk of injury and fatalities in bus-related accidents. Additionally, it aims to heighten awareness and foster greater road safety discipline among passengers.
Passengers found not wearing seat belts will face fines, and they are encouraged to report any defective seat belts to the bus driver before the journey begins. Express bus operators are accountable for ensuring that buses in operation since January 1, 2020, are equipped with functional seat belts. Operators of older buses are strongly encouraged to retrofit their vehicles with seat belts to enhance passenger safety.
During yesterday’s operation, some passengers cited discomfort or ignorance of the seat belt requirement as reasons for non-compliance. Inspections also revealed that certain buses had seat belts in substandard condition.
To ensure ongoing compliance, Stien disclosed that the JPJ will conduct covert inspections on long-distance buses. “If digital evidence confirms a passenger’s failure to wear a seat belt, a fine will be issued,” he stated. “Bus drivers who merely advise passengers without wearing their own seat belts will also face penalties.”
