JPJ To Enforce Mandatory Seatbelt Use For All Car Passengers

Samuel Chua

12th September 2025 - 2 min read

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) will soon enforce the mandatory use of seatbelts for both drivers and passengers in private vehicles nationwide.

JPJ director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, said the department’s current focus is on educating and reminding the public through the “Klik Sebelum Gerak” campaign, which was launched yesterday to raise awareness of seatbelt safety. The exact enforcement date for private car passengers will be announced later..

“For now, we are beginning with the campaign. Enforcement for seatbelt use by car passengers will follow, and we will confirm the date in due course,” he said at a press conference.

Legal Penalties For Non-Compliance

Individuals who fail to wear seatbelts may face fines of up to RM300, in line with the Motor Vehicles (Seatbelt and Child Restraint System) Rules 1978 (Amendment 2019).

Aedy Fadly stressed that JPJ’s aim is not only enforcement but also building a stronger culture of road safety. “Every journey should begin with the most fundamental safety measure, which is wearing a seatbelt,” he said.

Proven Safety Benefits Of Seatbelts

Research from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) shows that wearing a seatbelt can reduce the risk of passenger fatalities by as much as 50% in the event of an accident.

“Seatbelts keep drivers and passengers securely seated during a crash. Without them, the risk of serious injury is significantly higher,” Aedy Fadly explained.

Ongoing Advocacy And Inspections

JPJ will continue to conduct awareness programmes, share information across different platforms, and carry out regular inspections to encourage compliance.

The department reiterated its commitment to making seatbelt use a safety norm nationwide, with the ultimate goal of protecting the lives of all road users.

Enforcement Already In Place For Buses

Seatbelt enforcement has already been implemented for express and tour bus drivers and passengers, effective 1 July 2025.

According to Aedy Fadly, summonses are now being issued to passengers who fail to wear seatbelts on these buses. The requirement applies to buses manufactured after January 2020, while older buses are being given time to install seatbelts.

Wearing a seatbelt not only reduces injury risk but can also impact insurance claims after an accident. You can compare the best car insurance in Malaysia to find coverage that suits your needs.

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