KOTA KINABALU: Public bus operators and passengers take note — the person sitting next to you might just be an undercover traffic enforcement officer.
This is part of a national operation to enforce the mandatory installation and use of seat belts on all express and tour buses, which began on July 1.
“Active operations are being carried out nationwide at bus terminals, in buses, rest stops and on highways.
“We also have JPJ officers going undercover to monitor the safety features in buses and make sure that all rules are being followed,” said Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) director Datuk Mohd Harris Ali during a seat belt enforcement exercise at KK Sentral Bus Terminal on Friday (July 4).
He explained that the move is aimed at reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities during accidents.
Mohd Harris urged passengers to report any faulty seat belts or the absence of them to the JPJ immediately.
He said those found violating the law, be it passengers, drivers or bus operators, would face a RM300 fine.
A total of 286 enforcement personnel have been deployed for the ongoing operation, he added.
Besides regular enforcement, JPJ will work with various agencies and stakeholders to advocate and raise awareness on the issue, he added.
He said Sabah recorded 1,315 deaths from a total of 93,189 road accidents between 2020 and May 2025.
“This number proves that we need to improve road safety and enforcement of related regulations,” he said, urging the public to use the MyJPJ mobile application as their primary e-complaint platform, in addition to SISPAA.
This would enable JPJ to act promptly on complaints received, he added.
