KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has one of the world's highest road fatality rates. In order to halve the number of road deaths by 2010, it has rolled out a series of safety campaigns to educate motorists.

However, not many of its road users are behind the government's move.

According to statistics, three out of every 10 Malaysians own a car, one of the highest car ownership ratios in the world.

It also has the dubious honour of having the highest road fatality rates in the world, ahead of Thailand and South Korea.

Road accidents claim almost 7,000 lives a year and the government wants to do something about it.

Beginning on new year's day, those caught without the rear seat belt fastened face a fine of almost US$90. Come July 1, the fine will be increased to US$580 and offenders could even face a jail term of up to a year.

The road transport chief said those who flout the law only have themselves to blame.

Suret Singh, Head of Malaysia's Road Transport Department, said: "We are reaching out to all road users to wear seatbelts, to wear helmets. It takes barely one or two seconds to do it. Just get it done, then there's no problem and it's for your own good."

But motorists are not convinced. Some said it is a hassle to get the rear seat belts fixed.

Although there is no special ruling for young passengers, motorists are advised to install safety seats for children aged below five.

With over 60 per cent of road fatalities involving motocyclists, authorities have also embarked on a helmet exchange programme. These include handing out free safety gadgets to help lower the rate of accidents. - CNA/vm