Kuala lumpur: The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is set to enforce the mandatory use of seatbelts for all drivers and passengers in private vehicles nationwide, as announced by its director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, while the exact date for the start of enforcement has not been disclosed, Datuk Aedy emphasized that JPJ's immediate focus is on conducting advocacy programmes to promote seatbelt usage. This includes the launch of the 'Klik Sebelum Gerak' campaign, which aims to foster a culture of road safety and highlight the importance of seatbelt use for all vehicle occupants.

Datuk Aedy stated, "In line with this campaign, we will later announce the enforcement of seatbelt use for passengers of private cars. We will announce it in due course. For now, we are beginning with the 'Klik Sebelum Gerak' campaign first, and later we will confirm the date for (the seatbelt) enforcement for car passengers."

Individuals failing to comply with the seatbelt regulation may face fines of up to RM300 under the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978 (Amendment 2019). The campaign underscores JPJ's dedication to ensuring that every journey begins with the essential safety measure of wearing a seatbelt.

A study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) indicates that wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of passenger fatalities by up to 50 percent in the event of an accident. "In this regard, using seatbelts helps keep drivers and passengers securely seated during a crash, unlike those without seatbelts who are at a significantly higher risk of injury," Datuk Aedy added.

JPJ plans to continue implementing advocacy programmes, disseminating information through various channels, and conducting regular inspections to ensure compliance. "JPJ is highly committed to making seatbelt use a national safety norm and culture to protect the lives of all road users," he said.

Furthermore, Aedy Fadly mentioned that seatbelt enforcement has already been implemented for express and tour bus drivers and passengers, effective July 1, 2025. "We have already begun enforcement (for seatbelts), and we are issuing summonses to passengers who fail to wear them," he noted. The enforcement applies to buses manufactured after January 2020, while older buses are given time to install seatbelts.