The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has taken firm action against non-compliance with seat belt regulations, issuing a total of 1,194 summonses to both bus drivers and passengers across the country since the launch of its Special Operation on Seat Belt Usage on 1 July.
According to Bernama, JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli stated that the majority of offences were committed by passengers, who accounted for 1,108 of the total summonses. Bus drivers received 62 summonses, while another 24 cases involved vehicles that had not been equipped with seat belts as required by law.
Despite numerous reminders, many of those caught without seat belts attempted to justify their actions by claiming ignorance of the regulations or stating that they were unaware of the enforcement being formally gazetted. Aedy Fadly firmly dismissed such explanations, pointing out that investigations showed most bus companies had either announced the requirement verbally or displayed signage urging passengers to fasten their seat belts.
The Director-General made these remarks during a media briefing following his visit to the Pioneer Coachbuilder Sdn Bhd manufacturing facility in Telok Gong. He stressed that ignorance of the law is not a valid defence, and that enforcement would apply equally to all individuals, including foreign tourists and non-citizens, if they are found in breach of seat belt regulations while travelling on buses.
While enforcement efforts remain stringent, JPJ also observed a positive trend in compliance. Aedy Fadly acknowledged that awareness regarding the importance of seat belt usage has been steadily increasing, particularly among express and tour bus passengers. He attributed this progress to the active involvement of bus operators, many of whom have adopted more proactive approaches to reminding and encouraging passengers to buckle up.
The campaign underscores JPJ’s commitment to enhancing road safety standards and reducing preventable injuries on public transport. The department is expected to continue its operations in the coming weeks to ensure full compliance across the sector.
