JPJ to Enforce Mandatory Seatbelts for All Car Passengers, Non-Compliance to Incur Fines

JPJ to Enforce Mandatory Seatbelts for All Car Passengers, Non-Compliance to Incur Fines

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 11 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will soon make it compulsory for all drivers and passengers in private vehicles nationwide to wear seatbelts, said its director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

Local
Local

PUTRAJAYA, Sept 11 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will soon make it compulsory for all drivers and passengers in private vehicles nationwide to wear seatbelts, said its director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

He explained that while no enforcement date has been set, JPJ’s immediate focus is on awareness initiatives, including the newly launched “Klik Sebelum Gerak” campaign. The campaign aims to strengthen road safety culture and stress the importance of seatbelt use for every occupant in a vehicle.

“In line with this campaign, we will later announce the enforcement date for mandatory seatbelt use among private car passengers. For now, the focus is on advocacy through ‘Klik Sebelum Gerak’ before moving into full enforcement,” he told reporters today.

Under the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978 (Amendment 2019), those who fail to buckle up may face fines of up to RM300.

Aedy Fadly said the campaign reflects JPJ’s commitment to ensuring the simplest but most critical safety step — fastening a seatbelt — becomes second nature to all road users.

Citing a study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), he noted that seatbelts can cut the risk of passenger fatalities in accidents by up to 50 per cent. “Wearing a seatbelt helps keep drivers and passengers securely in place during a collision, significantly lowering the chances of serious injury,” he said.

He added that JPJ will continue rolling out advocacy efforts, sharing safety information through various platforms, and carrying out regular checks to ensure compliance. “Our goal is to make seatbelt use a nationwide safety culture to protect lives,” he stressed.

Meanwhile, Aedy Fadly said seatbelt enforcement for express and tour bus drivers and passengers has already been in effect since July 1, 2025. Summonses are being issued to passengers who fail to comply.

The ruling currently applies to buses manufactured after January 2020, while older buses are being given time to retrofit seatbelts. — Bernama

Road Transport Department (JPJ) director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli speaks at a press conference in Putrajaya, September 11, 2025. — Bernama pic

Latest

April 24, 2026
World
World
Thai opposition lawmakers to stand trial over 2021 bid to amend lese-majeste law

BANGKOK, April 24 — Thailand’s Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations over their 2021 move to amend a law protecting the monarchy from criticism, according to Thai media reports.

April 24, 2026
Local
Local
Court upholds RM825,000 defamation award against Siti Mastura in case involving claims linking three DAP leaders to Chin

PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — The Court of Appeal today dismissed Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura’s appeal against a High Court ruling ordering her to pay RM825,000 in damages and costs for defaming three DAP leaders by linking them to former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng.

April 23, 2026
World
World
Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte, 81, to face charges at international court over killings linked to drug

THE HAGUE, April 23 — Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial at the International Criminal Court after judges on Thursday confirmed charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial “war on drugs.”