Selangor: The Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) has reported a high level of compliance among express and tour bus drivers and passengers during the first two days of its seatbelt enforcement operation, conducted across the state, beginning yesterday.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, its director, Azrin Borhan, stated that a total of 56 express buses and 23 tour buses were inspected, and all were found to be in compliance with the regulations. "We found that all these vehicles adhered to the instructions we issued. In Selangor, the level of compliance and cooperation from both drivers and passengers is very high," he said.
Azrin highlighted that the operation will continue with undercover enforcement carried out inside buses. The department will monitor and enforce existing laws while on board. Earlier, Azrin led a seatbelt enforcement operation targeting express and tour buses at the northbound Dengkil rest and service (R and R) area.
The operation aims to enhance passenger safety in public transport services, particularly buses, in line with legal requirements and national road safety standards. As of 1 pm, a total of five buses were inspected at the R and R area, with passengers found to be wearing seat belts, following reminders from drivers before journeys commenced.
Azrin further mentioned that Selangor JPJ will focus inspections on express and tour buses at main bus terminals, rest stops, tourist hotspots, and major highways. "When we conduct inspections and find seat belts which are damaged, we will instruct the company to carry out immediate repairs and issue a warning notice," he said.
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli recently announced that, starting July 1, it is mandatory for all drivers and passengers of express and tour buses, manufactured after January 2020, to wear seat belts. For buses built before 2020, operators will be given a grace period to install seat belts. Passengers or drivers who fail to comply will face a RM300 fine, while bus companies may also face legal action for not ensuring passenger safety.