The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will soon make seatbelt use compulsory for all drivers and passengers in private vehicles nationwide. Its director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, said the implementation will be introduced in stages, with the exact date to be announced later.
Speaking at a press conference, Aedy Fadly said JPJ is prioritising advocacy through public outreach and inspections for now. Under the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978 (Amendment 2019), failure to wear a seatbelt carries a fine of up to RM300, he added.
He stressed that seatbelt use is a fundamental safety measure, citing research by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), which found that seatbelts could halve passenger fatalities in accidents. JPJ aims to make seatbelt use a nationwide safety norm to better protect lives on the road.
Aedy Fadly also noted that mandatory seatbelt enforcement has already been in place for express and tour buses since 1 July 2025. The requirement currently applies to buses manufactured after January 2020, while older vehicles are being given time to install the necessary equipment.
(Source: Bernama)
