That cheap little clip you bought online to silence your car’s seat belt alarm? It’s about to become illegal.
By the end of this year, Malaysia will officially ban the import of dummy seat belt buckles and similar devices that trick vehicles into thinking the seatbelt is fastened. These tools may seem harmless, but they pose a serious threat to road safety by encouraging drivers and passengers to skip buckling up altogether.
Photo via CarSifu
Under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) (No. 2) Order 2025, the ban applies to all types of seatbelt alarm deactivators including dummy buckles, clip extenders, and other slot-in gadgets, regardless of where they’re made.
The move comes after authorities discovered just how widespread these devices are. During a Chinese New Year road safety operation in Negeri Sembilan, 30% of seatbelt rule-breakers were found using dummy buckles to bypass alarm systems.
In response, the Transport Ministry and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry are now joining forces to clamp down on these devices. Some are sold for as little as RM1.99 in local and online markets.
Motorists caught using them could be slapped with a RM300 fine, but the bigger concern is the risk they pose during accidents.
So, if you’ve been using one of these hacks, it’s time to ditch it for good. When it comes to safety, shortcuts aren’t worth it. Buckle up properly, every time.
