By M. Sivanantha Sharma

BUTTERWORTH, MALAYSIA: None of the backseat passengers in 250 cars checked during a joint operation at the Sungai Dua toll plaza here was found wearing seat belts.

Road Safety Department state director S. Jegan said that despite the intensive campaign to educate motorists, many passengers were still not wearing the belts.

"When we questioned the drivers, they said they would comply from next month when the law comes into force while some claimed they were ignorant of the ruling," said Jegan, who led an eight-member team in the operation on Tuesday night.

Road Transport Department (JPJ) state director Hassan Yaccob said the Government had given enough time to vehicle owners without rear seat belts to get them installed.

"We are going to be very strict on this matter and summonses will be issued to the driver if any of the rear seat passengers are found not strapped in," he said.

The joint operation involved 250 personnel from 14 enforcement agencies.

Hassan said 1,025 vehicles were screened during the operation and 112 summonses were issued while two vehicles were seized.