MELAKA: The excuse " I forgot" is among the most common heard among those found not wearing seat belts on buses, says the Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Melaka JPJ director Siti Zarina Mohd Yusop said some passengers even said they did not think it was necessary to fasten their seat belts in a "big, safe bus."
She said this reflects a worrying lack of awareness and sense of responsibility among drivers and passengers.
"During an operation on Tuesday (July 29) night, 135 passengers and 18 drivers from a total of 109 express and tour buses were found not wearing seat belts out of the 350 buses inspected.
"This shows a clear neglect for safety. Passengers may assume they are safe because they're in a large vehicle but this mindset is dangerous.
"What's equally troubling is some drivers aren't doing enough to remind passengers of or enforce the rule," she said on Wednesday (July 30).
Siti Zarina said JPJ had provided sample posters for display inside buses to raise awareness.
