Malaysia Begins Enforcing Mandatory Seat Belt Rule on Tour and Express Buses

Malaysia Moves to Tighten Bus Safety Rules

Starting Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Malaysia officially began enforcing a mandatory seat belt regulation for all tour and express buses manufactured from January 1, 2020, onward.

Under this new rule, both drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times while the bus is in motion.

The initiative, led by the Road Transport Department (JPJ), aims to improve road safety and reduce fatalities involving public transportation.

It follows a tragic bus crash on June 9 that killed 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) students near Gerik, Perak.

Newer Buses Face Immediate Enforcement, Older Ones Get a Grace Period

The rule applies immediately to buses that were factory-equipped with seat belts and registered from 2020 onwards.

Older buses will be granted a grace period to install seat belts, according to JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

The department is currently working with bus operators to ensure compliance during this transitional phase.

“We are currently reviewing and conducting engagement sessions with the industry to allow bus operators time to install seat belts for passenger seats,” he said during a special JPJ assembly on May 29, according to The Star.

Undercover Officers Deployed for Random Checks

To ensure compliance, JPJ officers have begun boarding buses undercover, posing as regular passengers to observe whether seat belts are being used.

This effort is part of a special enforcement operation targeting bus terminals, highway rest stops, and tourist zones, according to Harian Metro.

“JPJ will also conduct undercover surveillance as bus passengers to ensure continuous compliance,” said Selangor JPJ Director Azrin Borhan during a media briefing at the Rest & Relaxation Area (R&R) Dengkil.

Fine for Failing to Buckle Up

Failure to comply with the seat belt rule can result in an RM300 (approx. S$90) compound fine, which applies not only to drivers and passengers but also to bus operators if procedures are not in place to ensure compliance.

Bus companies have been told to put proper procedures in place to make sure everyone on board fastens their seat belts before the journey begins, according to Sinar Harian.

For repeat offences, consequences may escalate to fines of up to RM4,000 (approx. S$1,206), 12 months’ imprisonment, or both, under existing road safety laws.

JPJ Begins Enforcement; 10 Bus Passengers Fined for Not Buckling Up

In a recent development, in Kelantan, ten express bus passengers were already fined RM300 (approx. S$90) each for not wearing seat belts during inspections in Gua Musang and Pasir Puteh, NST reported.

“Nine were caught during inspections in Gua Musang, while the remaining passenger was stopped in Pasir Puteh,” Kelantan JPJ director Mohd Misuari Abdullah said.

He said the passengers were travelling on express buses that had departed from the terminal and were stopped for inspection in the two districts.

These early fines signal that the campaign is being taken seriously from day one.

Meanwhile, over ten drivers and passengers received briefings on safety procedures and seat belt usage at terminals.

What You Need to Know If You’re Travelling by Bus in Malaysia

Who is affected? Both drivers and passengers travelling in tour and express buses manufactured from 2020 onwards.
What’s the penalty? RM300 fine (approx. S$90); up to RM4,000 (approx. S$1,205) and/or 12 months’ jail for repeat offences.
Where is enforcement happening? Terminals, R&Rs, highways, and tourist areas.
When does it start? Tuesday, July 1, 2025.