Tuesday June 3, 2008
Perodua to retrofit cars
By HONG BOON HOW
KUALA LUMPUR: Carmaker Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua (Perodua) is looking at the logistics of retrofitting some 200,000 of its older cars with rear seat belts before the three-year grace period is up.
According to Perodua managing director Datuk Syed Hafiz Syed Abu Bakar, it would identify the company’s outlets that were properly equipped to handle the retrofitting jobs.
“As the retrofitting of rear seat belts involves public safety, we are willing to work with the Government,” he said yesterday.
Perodua’s models, which are not equipped with rear seat belts, are mostly the earlier variants of the Kelisa, Kenari, Kancil and Kembara.
The ruling for rear-seat passengers to buckle up came into force on Sunday for cars registered after January 1995.
However, summonses will only be issued at the end of August.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said on Sunday that an agreement for owners of locally-made vehicles to get rear seat belts installed free had been worked out with the manufacturers, banks and insurance companies.
A multi-party memorandum of understanding on the free installation is expected to be signed soon.
An industry observer said the installation of rear-seat belts for Perodua models would include the three-point belt-type for left and right rear passengers.
“This type is more complex and expensive than the centre lap-type seat belts and will involve not just anchoring points under the rear seats but also on the body pillars of the car,” the observer said.
The body pillars next to the backrests of the rear seats provide additional anchoring points for the three-point seat belt system.
The source also said the retrofitting of Perodua cars with the rear seat belts would involve modification of the interior panels enclosing the body pillars.
“It might also be difficult to get new panels for models that are old or out of production,” he said.
The Malaysian Automotive Association supports the retrofitting of the rear seat belts on older cars as it would enhance road safety.
President Datuk Aishah Ahmad said that many car manufacturers had already fitted rear seat belts on their vehicles even before the Government had made their usage mandatory.
She added that the Road Safety Department should hold discussions with manufacturers to ensure smooth installation.
Related Story:
Groups: Carmakers must pay
News Poll
- Man posted doctored photos of Nik Aziz
- Heartbreaking wait for mum
- Sodomy II: Karpal claims judge lied (Updated)
- The world just got bigger
- Opposition leaders decry court’s ruling
- Weather warning for Perak, Selangor and Sabah
- Thumbs-up for Najib
- 5-0 for BN’s Zambry
- Saiful files report over death threat
- WWF: Orang asli being used
- 60 lose RM25mil in gold investment scam
- Canberra to set new skills list
- Sodomy II: Karpal claims judge lied (Updated)
- Weather warning for Perak, Selangor and Sabah
- MAS offers CNY bargains
- Heavy vehicle ban during CNY rush
- ‘Flashing candy’ a health hazard: Health Ministry
- Saiful files report over death threat
- Fleet card cloning ring busted with arrest of trio
- WWF: Orang asli being used
RSS
