It has been mandatory for rear occupants to wear their seatbelts in Malaysia since 2009. By virtue of the Motor Vehicles Rules (Seatbelt) (2008 Amendment), this has been in effect. But according to statements made by YB Anthony Loke, beginning 2020, enforcement will be stepped up and fines of RM300 will be issued to offenders aged 17 and up.
For those below the age of 17 caught not wearing seat belts in the rear, the driver will be issued a fine. Also note that the use of child seats too have become mandatory. Enforcement of the child seat laws will begin immediately, but police will only be warning offenders rather than penalising them for the first 6 months.
On a personal note, the laws make an exception for cars made before 1995. None of the cars I have ever owned are that ‘new’, but I still make it a point to remind rear passengers to buckle up behind. If not for their safety, then for mine, as their entire mass may end up severely injuring me or killing me in the event of a collision.
According to JKJR director-general Rosli Isa, road accidents occur every minute in Malaysia, and on average, almost every hour a fatal accident occurs. There’s no need for us to wait to learn lessons the hard way. Buckle up behind and take basic road safety seriously.
