Chapter 10: Safety Equipment

Seatbelts

• Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory by law for the driver and all passengers
• Front and rear passengers must buckle up
• A seatbelt reduces the risk of fatal injury by up to 45% for front-seat occupants
• The seatbelt should sit across the chest and lap — never behind the back or under the arm
• Penalty for not wearing a seatbelt: fine of up to RM300 and demerit points

Child Seats / Child Restraint Systems

• Children must be secured in an appropriate child restraint system based on their age, weight, and height
• Rear-facing seat: For infants and toddlers (typically up to 2 years or 13 kg)
• Forward-facing seat: For young children (typically 2-4 years or up to 18 kg)
• Booster seat: For older children (typically 4-12 years or until 136 cm tall)
• Child seats must be installed in the rear seat of the vehicle
• Never place a rear-facing child seat in front of an active airbag

First Aid Kit

• Recommended to carry a basic first aid kit in the vehicle
• Should include: bandages, antiseptic, adhesive plasters, scissors, gloves, CPR mask
• Check and replace expired items regularly

Fire Extinguisher

• Recommended to carry a small fire extinguisher (1 kg dry powder type)
• Know how to use it: Pull pin, Aim at base of fire, Squeeze handle, Sweep side to side
• Check expiry date regularly
• Store in an accessible location in the car

Warning Triangle

• Must be carried in the vehicle — required by law
• Place at least 50 meters behind your vehicle if you break down or are in an accident on a regular road
• On highways, place the triangle at least 100 meters behind your vehicle
• The triangle alerts approaching traffic to slow down and be cautious

Spare Tire and Tools

• Ensure the spare tire is inflated and in good condition
• Know how to use the jack and wheel wrench to change a tire
• A spare tire is typically a temporary tire — do not exceed 80 km/h and replace with a full-size tire as soon as possible

Headrest

• Adjust the headrest to the correct height — the center should be at ear level
• Protects against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision
• Do not remove headrests from the vehicle