A screen capture of the post that went viral showing two children in a moving car lying on a mattress.
WITH the "balik kampung" rush now over, people are starting to post on social media about their trips back to their hometowns.
Recently, a photo of two children lying on a mattress in the back of a moving MPV caused a bit of a stir online.
Many have been questioning how safe it was to travel that way with a few openly saying it was illegal.
Is it true that it is illegal to lie down on a mattress in a moving car?
Verdict:
TRUE
Not only is it illegal, it is extremely dangerous!
Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Rospiagos Taha told Sinar Harian on Tuesday (April 16) that lying on a mattress in a moving vehicle endangers both drivers and passengers, especially children.
"All drivers and adult passengers must sit in the seat when the vehicle is moving," said Rospiagos.
"Furthermore, from January 2009, the rules on the use of rear seat belts have been enforced through the Motor Vehicle (Seat Belt) Rules (Amendment 2008)," he said.
This meant that while it may not be illegal to transport a mattress in the back of your car, it would be illegal for anyone to be lying on it while the car is moving as they would not be wearing seatbelts.
He added that children weighing less than 36kg, who stand below 136cm tall or are under 12 years of age must use an appropriate children's car seat when the vehicle is moving.
He explained that the regulations aim to ensure the safety of passengers in the event of an accident.
On Monday (April 15), the photo of two children lying on a mattress in a moving MPV went viral.
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