JPJ Concerned Over Surge Of Dummy Buckle Use

The Negeri Sembilan Road Transport Department (JPJ) expressed concern over the increasing number of vehicle owners who use dummy buckles to disable seat belt alarms. During the recent Special Chinese New Year Operation, JPJ recorded 195 offences for not wearing seat belts, with over 30% of offenders using the dummy buckle,  citing discomfort as the main reason, Bernama has reported.
“We found over 30 per cent of drivers prefer to wear the dummy buckle to silence the sound of the seatbelt reminder, and their excuse is that it (the seat belt) is uncomfortable or that they forgot... but that is a major offence because it can result in severe injury or death in the event of a road crash.

“The use of this accessory is seen to be widespread and becoming a trend these days and that is not a good sign and we need to pay immediate attention to this matter,” Negeri Sembilan JPJ director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf stated, as reported by Bernama.

In Malaysia, some drivers appear to have been practicing this concerning trend for a while. Despite having brought up the matter since 2020, consumer and safety organisations renewed their requests in May of last year for authorities to outlaw seat belt dummy buckles due to the ongoing sales of these devices in do-it-yourself (DIY) stores and internet marketplaces.

The president of the Automotive Accessories Traders Association of Malaysia, Cherrie Lim Bee Choo, stated that although their members have already phased out the sale of the dummy buckles, they have no authority over online sellers.

“Most of these items are coming from overseas, China, and have been in the market for a decade. We feel it should be on the ban list,” she told Malay Mail.

Upon survey, CarzAutomedia discovered that these devices, which circumvent seat belt safety mechanisms, were found to be readily available for purchase at prices ranging from as low as RM3 to RM8 on various online shopping platforms as well as at physical auto accessory stores.


In Malaysia, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory for all vehicle occupants, front and back seats, as per the Motor Vehicles Rules (Seatbelt) (2008 Amendment) enforced since January 1, 2009.
Non-compliance can result in a fine of up to RM2,000, imprisonment for a maximum of one year, or both. However, there are exceptions for pregnant women, individuals with medical exemptions certified by two licensed medical practitioners, and those exempted by the minister.