ALOR SETAR, July 2 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will deploy undercover officers to catch express and tour bus drivers and passengers who don’t fasten their seatbelts.
JPJ Kedah director Stien Van Lutam said the tactic allows for immediate compounds to be issued to drivers and passengers who don’t comply with seatbelt regulations.
“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 seatbelts — and there is visual evidence — a compound will be issued,” he said.
“The use of seatbelts is ultimately for one’s own safety. In the event of an accident, we want to prevent passengers from being thrown from their seats...” Stien said during a seatbelt enforcement operation on express and tour buses at the Alor Setar Toll Plaza (northbound) yesterday.
During the operation, which began around 4.30pm, 18 express and tour buses were inspected. Sixteen compound notices and two warnings were issued to passengers for not wearing seatbelts.
He added that inspections also revealed many seatbelts on the buses were not properly functional, and JPJ will collaborate with the Royal Malaysia Police and other agencies on similar operations.
“This is a matter of safety. I urge bus operators to ensure that proper seatbelts are available in good working condition. In many cases, seatbelts are present on the seats, but they’re damaged or unusable,” Stien added.
JPJ yesterday started full enforcement of seatbelt use for drivers and all passengers of express and tour buses, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Seat Belts and Child Restraint Systems) Regulations 1978 Amendment (2008).
— Bernama
