Bus seatbelts: Forgetfulness is no excuse

KUALA LUMPUR: A bus passenger who received a RM300 summons from the Kuala Lumpur Road Transport Department (JPJ) for not wearing a seatbelt attributed it to habit.

This was the excuse given by a 33-year-old passenger during the special operation carried out by JPJ codenamed Ops Khas Gempur Kenderaan Perdagangan on Thursday.

He was among four bus passengers fined for not wearing seatbelts, with some offering various reasons for not complying with the seatbelt rule. Kuala Lumpur JPJ director Hamidi Adam said excuses of “forgetting” or “not used to wearing a seatbelt” are commonly heard during these operations.

“Many passengers claim they are not in the habit of fastening their seatbelts, especially if they have never been fined before.

“But under the law, a RM300 compound notice will be issued directly to the passenger,” he told reporters following the operation conducted near the Sungai Besi toll plaza.

The operation saw 203 commercial vehicles inspected and 132 summonses issued.

Over 1,000 summonses were issued following the special operation targeting commercial vehicles carried out by JPJ since Sept 1. Hamidi said between Sept 1 and Sept 17, 1,672 summonses were issued for various offences.

“We inspected 8,225 commercial vehicles – 3,389 goods vehicles and 4,836 public service vehicles.

“From these, 1,672 summonses were issued for various offences.

“Eight commercial vehicles were also seized, including a ­tipper dumper, two roll-on roll-off (roro) trucks and five small cargo lorries, due to serious and repeated violation of regulations,” he added.

Hamidi said that the level of non-compliance remains concerning, requiring more consistent and comprehensive enforcement.

“The operation is being carried out at key locations around Kuala Lumpur, involving thorough checks on documents, technical compliance, and physical inspections of vehicles.

“Offenders face immediate action, including summonses, inspection orders, or seizure of vehicle.”

The operation will continue until Dec 31.

“The move is part of JPJ’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety compliance, particularly within the goods transportation and public service sectors.

“The crackdown follows a spike in road accidents involving commercial vehicles, some of which have led to fatalities and serious injuries,” he lamented.

Hamidi said poor vehicle maintenance, failure to comply with technical specifications, and negligent or unethical driving behaviour were among the main causes of such accidents.

“The special operation is focused on four major offences – continuous driving on the right lane, overtaking on a double line, expired motor vehicle licences and insurance and failure to comply with Construction and Use specifications.

“These offences fall under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act 1987 (Act 334), and the Land Public Transport Act 2010 (Act 715),” he said.

Aside from enforcement, KL JPJ also emphasises awareness, with officers conducting briefings at inspection sites to explain detected offences and corrective measures, Hamidi said.

“We will not compromise with any party that violates the rules, including owners and drivers who neglect or deliberately ignore safety aspects.”

He also urged the public  to report traffic violations through the MyJPJ app (e-Aduan) or via e-mail at aduantrafik@jpj.gov.my, providing complete details such as registration number, location, date and time.

“We remain committed to ensuring that all vehicles on the road comply with the law in the interest of public safety,” Hamidi added.