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Kota Kinabalu: The wearing of seat belts by drivers, express bus passengers and tour bus passengers is compulsory as a measure to reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities during road accidents.

Sabah Road Transport Department (JPJ) Director Datuk Mohd Harris Ali said the enforcement of this regulation began on July 1.

“Bus operators and drivers also play a role by ensuring all passengers wear seat belts before the journey starts.  

“This is vital in reducing the risk of serious injuries and deaths in the event of an accident, as well as preventing passengers from being thrown out due to impact during a collision,” he said.  

Enforcement operations are currently being carried out at bus terminals, rest stops and highways across Malaysia, including undercover operations on buses.  

“Passengers are also encouraged to report to drivers if the seat belts are not in good condition. Failure to comply with this directive by drivers, passengers and operators will result in a fine of RM300,” Harris told the media during an operation at KK Sentral Bus Terminal, Friday.

He said JPJ would continue to conduct advocacy to educate the public on the importance of complying with the seat belt regulation for express buses and tour buses.

“JPJ Sabah is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of road users,” he said, adding that to enhance enforcement of seat belt compliance, JPJ Sabah has involved 286 enforcement officers.  

According to Sabah road accident statistics from 2020 to May 2025, there were 1,315 fatal accidents and a total of 93,189 accidents. 

“These figures highlight the urgent need to strengthen safety compliance,” said Harris. 

He called on the public to use the MyJPJ app as the main platform for e-complaints, alongside SISPAA, to assist JPJ Sabah in taking swift action against drivers who do not adhere to traffic laws.