
On May 12th, 2021, the New Strait Times newspaper reported that The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) has issued a warning against the use of dummy buckles as seatbelt alarm stoppers, which can compromise a car’s safety features, particularly in the event of an accident.
Originally designed for plus-sized individuals, these dummy buckles have been misused by drivers who neglect to fasten their seat belts. By inserting the dummy buckle into the seat belt buckle, drivers can silence the audible warnings emitted by modern cars when the seat belt is left unfastened.

MIROS has highlighted that this accessory can disrupt the optimal functioning of safety components such as airbags, potentially jeopardizing the safety of both the driver and passengers in the event of a collision. A 2020 study conducted by MIROS revealed that over 12% of drivers are utilizing these dummy buckles, with the potential for this figure to increase if action is not taken promptly.
Additionally, a recent survey conducted by the Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) indicates that these dummy buckles are readily available on various shopping platforms, particularly at car accessories stores, and are priced as low as RM3.00 to RM8.00.
It’s essential to underscore the significance of seatbelts as one of the most crucial safety innovations in road safety, particularly in reducing fatalities and serious injuries, with an almost 50% reduction in such incidents during frontal vehicle collisions for both drivers and front passengers.
Despite efforts dating back to 2020 to raise awareness about the risks associated with dummy buckles, their sale persists in the market. Furthermore, the absence of legislation prohibiting the sale of such products remains a concern.
CAP calls upon the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to take decisive action by implementing legislation to prohibit the sale of dummy buckles in the market.
Mohideen Abdul Kader
President
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP)
Press Statement, 21 May 2024