Malaysia to Ban Import of Dummy Seatbelt Buckles from December 31, 2025
- Jomanda Heng
- Jul 20
- 2 min read
In a bold step toward improving road safety, the Malaysian government has announced that the import of dummy seatbelt buckles and alarm stoppers will be officially banned starting December 31, 2025. This decision, enforced under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025, is part of the government’s intensified campaign to eliminate deceptive and dangerous car safety devices.
The prohibition targets:
Dummy seatbelt buckles
Seatbelt alarm stoppers
Clip extenders or devices that bypass or silence seatbelt warning systems
Such tools falsely signal to a car's system that the seatbelt is engaged, without actually securing the passenger.
Why Is This Necessary?
Widespread abuse: Over one-third of seatbelt-related summonses during festive operations were due to dummy buckles.
Crash risk: Studies by MIROS (Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research) reveal dummy buckles often detach during accidents, increasing fatal injuries.
Child safety risk: Pediatric experts warn of heightened dangers to children falsely believed to be properly restrained.
Regulatory and Enforcement Measures
The import ban applies universally, regardless of country of origin.
Enforced under Section 31(1) of the Customs Act 1967.
Domestic sales are next in line, with the Ministry of Domestic Trade working on expanding enforcement.
Individuals caught using dummy buckles may face RM300 fines.
On-the-Ground Action
The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has already begun covert enforcement, including undercover operations on buses.
A recent inspection near Alor Setar resulted in multiple fines and the discovery of dummy buckles on commercial vehicles.
Expert Voices
Dr. Mohamad Ikram Ilias, president of the Malaysian Paediatric Association, stressed that “dummy buckles are deadly tools masquerading as shortcuts.”
Experts call for immediate restrictions on local sales, not just imports.
While enforcement is a strong deterrent, authorities and advocates emphasize the need for:
Public awareness campaigns
Subsidized child car seats
Encouraging proper restraint use across all age groups
The upcoming ban marks a crucial step in Malaysia’s mission to improve road safety. However, without tackling local sales and promoting public education, dummy seatbelt misuse may persist. This ban must be the start—not the end—of a broader road safety reform.
References
The Uncommon Breed
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