By Adrian Lim
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 3: The Women, Family and Community Development Ministry has taken preventive and advocacy intervention measures to address the issue of children who died while accidentally left inside a car.
Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff said the ministry has taken measures to address the issue as some parents neglected their child in their vehicle while going for meetings or to work.
She disclosed the measures include amending Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 in 2016, increasing the punishment to provide a maximum imprisonment for 20 years rather than 10 years and fine up to RM50,000 from RM20,000 for offenders.
“This year, there were two cases reported and in 2019 there were two cases and also two cases in 2018.
“Although the number of cases is not substantial, for the affected parents and guardians, it involves their child’s life.
“Therefore, the ministry is taking preventive and advocacy intervention measures as well as providing counselling services to parents.
“The ministry also collaborates with relevant agencies to raise awareness to the public on the issue like through the Family and Children Education Programme and the SMARTSTART pre-marital programme,” she said when replying to a question by Kota Samarahan MP Rubiah Wang at the Parliament today.
Rubiah had wanted to know the ministry’s action to address such incidents.
Siti Zailah added the ministry will continue to forge collaboration with various government agencies to bring more awareness to parents.
Responding to a supplementary question from Rubiah, Siti Zailah said the ministry appreciates the efforts from a few automotive manufacturers which provides their car system with child reminder and Waze navigation app to remind the parents of a child inside a car. —DayakDaily
