Kuantan: A total of 55 out of 2,196 buses inspected by the Pahang Road Transport Department (JPJ) were found to have committed various offences during the special operations on seatbelt use.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State JPJ director Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya Syed Abdul Rahman stated that 143 notices were issued for a range of violations, including the seizure of one bus. The operation was conducted from July 1 to 30.

Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya explained that of the total number of buses inspected, action was taken against 55, representing only 2.5 per cent. This included 38 express buses, 16 tour buses, and one other bus. He noted that with this low percentage, the compliance rate is considered high. He shared these details with reporters at the closing ceremony of the special operation on seatbelt use at the Kuantan Sentral Terminal.

He further elaborated that a total of 129 personnel were involved in the operation, including 90 from the JPJ, 10 from the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), 11 from the National Registration Department (NRD), and 18 officers from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC).

In reference to an incident during the operation, Syed Ahmad Khirulanwar Alyahya mentioned that an express bus carrying 27 passengers from Kuantan to the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) was detained for failing to meet the required tyre tread depth specification of more than 1.6 millimetres (mm). He indicated that the bus company was instructed to either replace the tyres immediately or deploy a different bus to ensure passenger safety.

He highlighted that the minimum tread depth allowed is 1.6 mm, but the bus was found with tyres measuring only 0.6 mm. In response, the company sent a replacement bus, which was also inspected for compliance, including checks on the driver's documents, the tyres, brake system, and seatbelt usage.