Kuala lumpur: Passengers cited excuses such as unfamiliarity, never having used seatbelts, or being a hassle during the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) special seatbelt operation targeting express and tour buses across Negeri Sembilan since yesterday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, State RTD director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf stated that inspections on 43 buses resulted in seven passengers aged 19 and above being issued RM300 compounds for failing to comply with the seatbelt requirement. ‘Wearing a seatbelt is crucial. It can save lives and reduce the risk of serious injury in the event of a road accident,’ Hanif noted during a press conference following an inspection at Terminal One bus station.

From the inspections conducted, Hanif reported that overall compliance among drivers and passengers was encouraging, with a noticeable improvement in awareness. He expressed hope that this positive trend would continue. Additionally, Hanif urged bus operators to ensure that all buses are properly equipped with functioning seatbelts and to consistently remind passengers of the importance of wearing them for their safety.

He further mentioned that the RTD will deploy undercover teams throughout the month-long operation to identify any drivers or passengers who are breaching the regulations.