PUTRAJAYA, Sept 11 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will soon enforce the mandatory use of seatbelts for all drivers and passengers in private vehicles nationwide, said director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
Without disclosing the exact date for the start of enforcement, he said JPJ’s current priority is to carry out advocacy programmes on seatbelt use, including through the “Klik Sebelum Gerak (Click Before Moving)” campaign.
He said the campaign, which was launched today, aims to enhance road safety culture and highlight the necessity of seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants, both drivers and passengers.
“We will announce the enforcement of seatbelt use for passengers of private cars later,” he said at a press conference here today.
Those who fail to fasten their seatbelts face fines of up to RM300 under the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978 (Amendment 2019).
He said the campaign demonstrates JPJ’s commitment to ensuring every journey starts with the most fundamental safety measure, a fastened seatbelt.
According to a study conducted by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS), a seatbelt can reduce the risk of passenger deaths by as much as 50 per cent in the event of a crash.
“Using seatbelts helps keep drivers and passengers securely seated during a crash, unlike those without seatbelts who are at a significantly higher risk of injury,” Aedy Fadly said.
“JPJ will continue to implement advocacy programmes, share information through various channels, and perform regular inspections to ensure optimal compliance,” he added.
Meanwhile, he said enforcement of seatbelt use for express and tour bus drivers and passengers took effect on July 1.
“We have already begun enforcement (for seatbelt use), and we are issuing summonses to (express and tour bus) passengers who fail to fasten them,” Aedy Fadly said.
The enforcement applies to buses manufactured after January 2020, while buses built earlier were given time to install seatbelts.
