Cover image via Freepik
New year, same fine.
Backseat passengers can be fined RM300 if they do not wear seat belts in 2020.
Although the rule has been mandatory since 2009, enforcement will be stepped up beginning this year onwards.
According to a Facebook post by Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) on Sunday, 5 January, passengers above 17 years old will be fined RM300 if found guilty.
The rule also applies to passengers who do not wear lap belts when riding the bus
A quick check on Road Transport Department's (JPJ) website reveals that those who do not use the seat belt (front or rear) will be fined up to RM2,000 or jailed for a maximum of one year.
This is just one of the steps being taken to reduce road accidents in Malaysia.
Citing 2018 statistics, road safety department (JKJR) director-general Datuk Rosli Isa previously revealed that an accident takes place every minute and a fatal accident every 70 minutes
This could be greatly reduced if passengers (both front and rear) wore seat belts.
According to a study by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) in 2007, up to 50% of deaths, serious, and minor injury cases could have been reduced if the rear passengers and drivers had been using their seat belts.
So, don't forget to buckle up, guys. Your life costs a lot more than RM300.
Image via GIPHY
