Papar: Rear vehicle passengers will have to start wearing the safety belt from June 1 as a measure to reduce fatal accidents in the country by some 45 per cent, said Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Lajim Ukin Thursday.
He said the Government would give a three-month grace period, beginning from June 1, to promote the new regulation before imposing penalties on those who failed to comply with the rule from Sept 1.
"By introducing this new rule, the Government hopes to reduce by almost half of the annual average of 350 fatal accidents in the country which are caused by motorists not wearing the safety belt.
"Hence, I hope the public will not perceive this new rule as a burden but instead look at it in a positive way, to safeguard their safety which is of utmost importance," he said.
He said this at the launching of the State-level "Road Safety Campaign for Kaamatan Festival and Wearing Rear Safety Belt" at the multipurpose hall here.
The programme was aimed at enhancing awareness, especially among the motorists and other road users, on the importance of complementing the Government's efforts to reduce road mishaps, particularly in the State.
"For vehicles that have yet to install the rear safety belt, the Government is giving their owners until August to do so.
"I hope vehicle owners would not be hesitant or calculative to pay for the low installation cost, considering the unlimited value of their own lives and their loved ones," said Lajim.
On the penalty for not complying with the new rule, he said the Government has yet to decide on the amount of fine to be imposed.
On road mishaps, Lajim said the nation recorded more cases during the period from January to April this year, with 123,782 cases, compared to 117,192 cases recorded during the same period last year.
"Sabah also recorded an increase of 108 cases or 2.3 per cent during the same period this year compared to last year," he said.
He said the number of fatal accidents in the country also increased by 162 cases or 8.1 per cent, to 2,160 cases this year from 1,998 last year, adding Sabah recorded 101 fatal accidents during the first four months this year compared to 90 last year.
Malaysia Sun
01/06/08
Which minister is profiting from this project?
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