By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, July 3: Express and tour bus drivers and passengers who fail to wear seat belts will face a RM300 compound starting July 1, under a new enforcement initiative introduced by the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) to enhance road safety.
According to its Minister, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, the regulation applies only to buses manufactured after Jan 1, 2020, which are factory-fitted with seat belts for all passenger seats.
“This move is part of the Road Transport Department (JPJ)’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities involving public transport vehicles,” he said during a press conference on the enforcement of seat belt regulations for express and tour bus drivers and passengers, held at Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal here today.
He stressed that every passenger is required to fasten their seat belt regardless of seating position, including those seated at the back of the bus.
“Bus drivers must also play their part, just like cabin crew on flights, by reminding passengers to buckle up before the vehicle begins its journey,” he added.
Lee disclosed that in Sarawak, there are currently 264 express buses operated by 19 companies and 165 tour buses under 31 tourism companies.
However, out of the total fleet, only 40 newer buses have been equipped with seat belts, while the remaining 224 older units were acquired before the regulation came into effect.
“Operators of buses that have yet to install seat belts are given time to do so. JPJ will consider proof of seat belt orders and provide a grace period,” he explained.
The enforcement, however, does not apply to intra-city stage buses for now, due to their lower operating speeds and technical constraints, Lee clarified.
To further support the regulation, JPJ encourages bus operators to display instructional stickers in Malay, English, and Chinese at passenger seats.
For buses equipped with public announcement (PA) systems or video screens, safety messages should be broadcast before the trip starts.
“JPJ Sarawak will not compromise with any road user who commits traffic offences and neglects their own safety and that of others,” Lee stressed.
“This consistent enforcement approach aligns with the government’s aspiration to reduce road accident fatalities by 50 per cent by the year 2030.”
He added that stricter enforcement is expected to raise public awareness about the importance of seat belt use—not only for drivers, but for every passenger, regardless of seating position on the bus.
JPJ Sarawak also welcomes public involvement in reporting any traffic violations by submitting complaints with complete details via the MyJPJ app (e-Aduan@JPJ) or through email at aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my. — DayakDaily
