Safety a priority, say Singaporeans on Malaysia's new seat-belt rule for buses

Buckling up on long-distance bus rides in Malaysia should be about personal safety rather than fear of fines, said some Singaporean travellers in response to the country's new compulsory seat belt rule.

- Vihanya Rakshika

Since July 1, all passengers on tour and express buses in Malaysia have been required to wear seat belts, or face a fine of up to RM300 (S$90) if they do not. Bus operators and drivers may be fined, too, if passengers do not belt up.

Ms Salma Begam said her family members always wear their seat belts while on such buses because of the risk of serious injury in road accidents.

"We are not so concerned about the fines, and don't just buckle up to avoid getting a fine," said Ms Begam, 56, who visits Selangor every few months with her husband and two teenage daughters.

"It is a responsibility we owe to ourselves to be safe."

She added that she and her husband are prepared to pay more for newer buses fitted with seat belts, as they usually spend about five hours on the road on such trips.

"Sometimes, the bus drivers are very tired and may fall asleep at the wheel. Only the safety belt can help (when that happens)."

Mr Joseph Pereira also pays more for coaches with seat belts for his jaunts up north, at his children's insistence.