Even though it has been in effect since July, some express bus passengers are still giving excuses for not wearing seat belts, unaware that they can be fined.
This was evident when a passenger traveling from Kuala Terengganu to Kuala Lumpur last night claimed he didn’t know about the enforcement.
“I rarely use express bus services, so I didn’t know that wearing a seat belt on the bus is mandatory,” said the 22-year-old male passenger from Puchong, Selangor.
For this offense, the barista from the capital city was fined RM300 by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) Terengganu during a Special Operation targeting commercial vehicles along the Kuala Terengganu – Kota Bharu route at the Gemuruh Toll Plaza last night.
JPJ Terengganu director Mohd Zamri Samion said no excuses would be accepted from passengers.
“Almost all express bus drivers make announcements requiring all passengers to wear seat belts to avoid fines before departing the terminal. So there’s really no reason for passengers to claim ignorance,” he added.
Since July, up until last night, 20 seat belt violations involving express and tour bus passengers have been recorded. Three of these involved drivers, while 17 were committed by passengers.
