Heavy penalty for motorcyclists not wearing helmets
KUCHING: The Road Transport Department has warned motorcyclists of heavy penalties if they do not wear safety helmets and carry more than one pillion rider.
Its state assistant director (Enforcement) Albert Clement said a motorcycle was meant to carry only two persons.
“Section 49 of the Road Transport Act 1987 states that it shall not be lawful for more than one person in addition to the driver/rider to be carried on any two-wheeled motorcycle. If any person uses a motorcycle in contravention of this section, he or she and any person so carried on the motorcycle shall be guilty of an offence,” he said yesterday.
He said the fine for carrying more than one pillion rider would be categorised as not wearing safety helmets.
“Wearing safety helmets falls under Rules No 4 of the Motorcycles (safety helmets) Rules 1973 and riders and pillions must wear safety helmets while riding a motorbike. Fine falls under Section 119 of the Road Transport Act 1987 where they can be compounded with a maximum of RM300 and if brought to court, they can be fined not exceeding RM1,000 or jail for a term not exceeding three months or both.”
Albert also said the types of helmets worn by motorcyclists must meet the requirements of Sirim’s standards and must also bear its stickers. “Parents are advised not to let their children freely ride or use their bikes. Underage children should never be allowed to ride motorcycles unless they have valid B2 driving licence.