KOTA BHARU: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is mandating the installation and use of seat belts for all express and tour buses starting 1 July.
JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said this measure involves buses built from Jan 1, 2020 as they have been gazetted for seat belt installation.
According to him, buses built before 2020 will be given a specific period to install the seat belts.
"We are currently reviewing and conducting engagement sessions with the industry to allow bus operators time to install seat belts for passenger seats," he said.
He said this to reporters after attending the JPJ Malaysia Special Assembly on Sunday (May 29)
Aedy Fadly added that the department has informed the industry that a mechanism or standard operating procedure (SOP) must be established at the bus company level to ensure drivers and passengers wear seat belts before the bus moves.
He explained that the department will also issue guidelines to operators to ensure compliance with the directive.
"If they fail to comply with the directive, drivers, passengers, and company operators will be issued a RM300 summons notice. The use of seat belts is one of the efforts to enhance road safety," he said.
