New Seatbelt Regulations for Buses Starting July 1

KOTA BARU, June 29 – Major changes are coming for express and tour bus passengers! Effective July 1, the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is insisting on strict seatbelt compliance for all bus drivers and passengers, particularly focusing on vehicles manufactured from January 2020 onwards.

Fines and Accountability: Who Will Pay?

JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli announced that buses manufactured before this date will be granted time to retrofit seatbelts. However, once the enforcement kicks in, all non-compliance will come at a hefty price. Passengers who fail to buckle up will face fines of RM300.

What’s more, bus drivers are now held accountable too! If a driver neglects to remind passengers to wear their seatbelts, both the passengers and the driver (along with the bus operating company) will face penalties.

A New Era of Safety: CCTV Enforcement in Action!

To ensure compliance, JPJ plans to utilize closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine if reminders were given prior to the bus's departure. This move highlights the seriousness of the initiative and marks a shift from their previous advocacy approach to strict enforcement.

Tragic Accident Sparks Changes in the Law

This decision follows a heartbreaking incident where 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) lost their lives when their bus veered off the East-West Highway near Gerik on June 9. This tragedy, which claimed the lives of 13 at the scene and two later in the hospital, has ignited calls for stricter safety measures in public transportation.

In the wake of the accident, a group of affected UPSI students has announced their plans to take legal action against both the bus driver and the operating company, signaling a growing demand for accountability and safer travel practices.

Buckle Up for Safety!

As we approach the implementation date, it's clear that the JPJ is committed to making bus travel safer for everyone. So remember, starting July 1: buckle up, or you might just find yourself in a tight spot—with a fine!