Be consistent on road safety enforcement, govt urged

PETALING JAYA: Road safety experts have welcomed the government’s renewed focus on enforcing seat belt rules but warned that only consistent enforcement will prevent Malaysians from becoming complacent again.

Assoc Prof Dr Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia said that while seat belt use has long been compulsory, compliance – especially among rear passengers – has failed due to “lacking and intermittent” enforcement.

“Most Malaysians regard the rear seat belt as optional, when actually it is vital for the protection of the passengers.

“The renewed emphasis by JPJ (Road Transport Department) augurs better for enforcement and a more serious stance,” he said when contacted yesterday.

He added that while seat belts cannot stop accidents, evidence show they are “among the safest and most cost-effective protection devices available”, saving hundreds of lives by reducing the risk of fatalities and serious injury.

“The overall effect of this renewed enforcement programme will depend very much on the consistency with which it is carried out.

“If sustained over the long term, it could dramatically alter public behaviour and normalise rear seat belt use,” he stressed.

Road Safety Marshal Club president K. Bala said enforcement must be coupled with stronger public awareness if habits are to change permanently.

“So it’s either law or love. If we use a law, it will last for a short term and then people will start to ignore it.

“But if you instil love – the need for wearing seat belts and that it is not a burden but that it’s going to save your life – then it will be sustained,” he said.

He urged year-round enforcement without special discounts on fines, saying that leniency encourages people to wait before paying.

“Let it be a good lesson to learn so that next time, people won’t say ‘never mind, I’ll just pay when the discount comes’,” he said.

Bala also called for more advocacy campaigns that explain the real dangers of not wearing a seat belt.

“When it comes to their own personal safety, people will take it seriously.

“The seat belt is to protect you and your family during an emergency at any time, any place and in any situation,” he added.

Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan pointed out that rear seat belt usage, once around 20% after early campaigns, has now fallen to just 2%.

“That collapse in discipline explains why JPJ is now shifting from soft advocacy to stricter enforcement.

“The evidence is clear. Miros (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research) and international research show wearing a seat belt can cut the risk of death or serious injury by half.

“But laws alone (will not) change behaviour without consistent enforcement,” he said.

Wan Agyl said Malaysia’s experience shows that accident rates fall when enforcement is visible, but rise again when checks ease.

“This should have been done a long time ago, but it is better late than never.

“JPJ deserves support for finally giving real teeth to an old law.

“If sustained, paired with awareness campaigns and measures to close loopholes, it can restore a culture of safety and prevent needless deaths,” he added.