RTD: Enforcement in stages

KUALA LUMPUR: Enforcement on the three-point seat belt will be carried out in stages next year, said Road Transport Department (RTD) director-general Datuk Shaharuddin Khalid.

He said although some new car models had the three-point seat belt, some did not meet Sirim’s (Scientific and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) standards.

“Therefore, we want to make sure that all three-point seat belts that are already installed in vehicles, as well as new vehicles, are of the highest quality and meet requirements.

“This is crucial before we go all out on enforcement,” he said after the closing of the RTD Cadet MyLesen Programme at SMK Tinggi Setapak.

He said the enforcement applied only to vehicles that were equipped with the three-point seat belt as well as new vehicles.

Existing vehicles with lap belts, however, are exempt.

The New Straits Times, in its exclusive report yesterday, revealed that beginning next month, all manufacturers of passenger vehicles must install three-point seat belts in all models.

The directive from the Transport Ministry will see lap belts in the rear centre seat being phased out.

Despite preventing the centre backseat passenger from being thrown out of a vehicle in an accident, the lap belt puts pressure on the human body and can cause serious injuries, even death.

Shaharuddin said RTD would beef up enforcement on the use of seat belts for front and rear passengers.

“Many motorists and passengers choose to take the matter lightly although it is one of the measures taken to minimise injuries during accidents.”