BUTTERWORTH: The enforcement targeting mandatory seat belt use on express and tour buses has seen an encouragingly high compliance rate in the state.

Today marks the third day of enforcement.

Penang Road Transport Department (RTD) director Zulkifly Ismail said checks were conducted on 115 express buses and 43 tour buses in the first two days.

"On the first day, we recorded one violation, and yesterday, two.

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"The violation on the first day involved a bus driver at the Sungai Dua toll plaza. He was slapped with the maximum RM300 compound.

"Yesterday's two violations involved passengers who were caught by our undercover officer.

"Nevertheless, the compliance rate is still high — a positive sign that the public understands the importance of road safety and respects the law.

"We thank everyone for their cooperation and urge continued vigilance to keep all passengers safe," he said during checks at the Penang Sentral express bus terminal last night.

Since the operation began on July 1, officers, both in uniform and undercover, have been conducting random checks at key transport hubs including Penang Sentral, Sungai Nibong, and various rest and relax (R&R) areas.

The law requiring all express buses to be equipped with functional seat belts has been in place since Jan 1, 2020.

Zulkifly said it was the duty of bus operators and drivers to ensure that everyone had their seat belts on prior to departure.

"We have told them not to begin their journey unless everyone has put on their seat belt.

"From our checks as well, all the seat belts in the buses we inspected were functional," he added.

He said enforcement would continue, with undercover officers placed on random trips to maintain this high level of compliance.