Seat Belt Rule On Buses Takes Effect, Operators And Passengers Back Safety Move

KUALA LUMPUR, July 1 (Bernama) -- Express bus operators are taking the mandatory seat belt rule seriously, stepping up efforts with announcements and visible signage to remind passengers to buckle up.

Bus driver Umar Abdullah, 43, said his company has instructed all drivers to make seat belt announcements before departure, in line with the new regulation that came into force today.

“We’ve been told to remind passengers to fasten their seat belts before the bus departs,” he said when met at Kuala Lumpur Sentral (KL Sentral) here.

He added that notices are also being installed on doors and inside buses to highlight safety measures and penalties.

Under the ruling, all express and tour bus drivers and passengers are now required to wear seat belts, with non-compliance punishable by a RM300 fine, according to the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

A spot check at KL Sentral, which serves routes to KLIA and Genting Highlands, found seat belt reminders placed at ticket counters as well.

Driver Abdul Hamid Taharim, 53, welcomed the directive, calling it a timely safety measure.

“Before this, seat belts weren’t compulsory, so passengers didn’t care. But after the recent crash, many are more alert and starting to buckle up,” he said.

At Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), Mohd Azlan Jusoh, 51, a driver for Yellow Star Express, said the RM300 fine is a good deterrent.

“Not everyone can afford to pay it, so most will think twice and just follow the rule,” he said, adding that his company also requires drivers to announce the seat belt reminder before leaving.

Passengers also expressed support for the move. University student Aliah Shamira Yusri, 23, from Penang, said seat belts could prevent serious injuries, especially since most buses lack additional safety features like airbags.

“At the very least, it helps protect us in case of an accident,” she said.

Nor Azira Syafiza Zuhairul, 26, a personal assistant from a private firm, echoed the sentiment.

“This is a good rule. Many still skip wearing seat belts on buses, even though it’s a simple habit that can save lives,” she said.

-- BERNAMA