Monday June 2, 2008
By STEVEN DANIEL
Adapted from The Star

PETALING JAYA: Despite the rear seat belt ruling being introduced yesterday, many people still claimed ignorance of it.

Previtha Rajah, 33, said she was unaware of the start of the three-month advocacy period for the use of rear seat belts.

However, the mother of three can afford to “overlook” the ruling – for she has always got her rear seat passengers to buckle up anyway.

“For safety purposes, I have never failed to get my children, maid and other passengers to buckle up,” she added when met at a petrol kiosk here.

Roslan Hashim, 34, a technician, said he had heard of the plan but did not know it had already been implemented.

“Betulkah, saya pun tak tahu (Is it, I did not know),” he said, suggesting that more information be disseminated via the media on the new rule.

A 50-year-old businessman, who only wanted to be known as Choy, went one step further by questioned the need for the ruling.
“Most cars have only two rear seat belts. Does that mean I can only drive four people in my car?” he asked.

Federal traffic police chief Senior Asst Comm II Datuk Hamzah Taib, when contacted, said police personnel would advise motorists on the new ruling until the three-month period was up, when summonses would be issued.

“We will advise motorists of the new rule whenever we have the chance. We will not spare any effort,” he added.
He said police would work with the Road Safety Department to distribute flyers to motorists.

P.s : I'd just checked my car out. My car also got 2 rear seatbelts only. That means my car can only fetch up to 4 person including myself. So sad right when sometimes we have a click of 5 people to go out for an interesting outing but due to the enforcement of the rear seatbelts, one will be left out. Perhaps he/she can catch a cab or bus instead. =x