Secretary for Security Chris Tang on Sunday said improved legal clauses for the seatbelt mandate on public buses would be more convenient for passengers.

His remarks came after the government announced on Friday it would remove legal provisions on the seatbelt rule due to shortcomings in the law.

Speaking on a Commercial Radio programme, Tang stressed that wearing seatbelts could save lives in major traffic accidents.

He recommended that passengers wear seatbelts to protect their own safety, even if failing to wear them is not against the law at the moment.

“I understand that people have raised many practical concerns. I believe that once we improve the legal clauses – how we are going to implement the mandate, whether we introduce exemption clauses, if we can enhance communication or require bus companies to improve supportive facilities – people will find it more convenient,” he said.

Tang also said cutting seatbelts is a criminal offence and authorities will take serious actions against such behaviour.

“Although it seems like just cutting something up is not a serious crime, I think such behaviour has a significant negative impact on society. It is a challenge to the entire system and is an antisocial act,” he said.