Stop using dummy seatbelt buckle - Miros

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) said using the accessory can cause safety components such as airbag not to function optimally and could not protect the driver and passengers in an accident.

A Miros study in 2020, showed more than 12 per cent of drivers are using the accessory and if it is not stopped now, the figure will go up further.

Concerned over the matter, Miros with the cooperation of the Transport Ministry and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) had conducted collaborative efforts in instilling the message of road safety through a video advising the people to focus on abuse of the dummy seatbelt buckle.

"Dummy buckle is currently a fad among drivers as it is widely available at convenient stores as well as sales portal at a cheap price.

"In an accident, the dummy buckle can cause the victim to suffer chest injury from hitting the steering wheel and dashboard or being thrown out of the vehicle which would be fatal," he said in a statement today.

The video can be viewed via selected television channels as well as Miros and Finas social media sites apart from the website.