Transport Minister Anthony Loke reinforced his message of child safety seats by placing advertisements in Chinese dailies today, in conjunction with the Mid-Autumn Festival.
This came despite facing criticism last week after commenting on the multi-vehicle crash at the Bukit Kajang toll plaza, where he pointed out the toddler who died was not secured in a safety seat.
In his ministry’s advert, Loke reminded drivers to ensure that children in vehicles are properly strapped into safety seats to protect them from harm.
“As the Mid-Autumn Festival arrives, the moon is full, and families come together. The most beautiful scenery is not the bright moon in the sky, but the smile of your child seen through the car window.
“Children are the smallest travellers, yet the ones who need protection the most. A child safety seat may seem like just a seat, but to a child, it’s a shield against unexpected dangers.
“This protection of safety is something only adults can provide. Don’t let reunion turn into regret - remember to buckle your little one in a child safety seat,” the Chinese-language advert stated.
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Mooncake Festival, falls on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunisolar calendar, when the moon is full. It is a significant cultural celebration symbolising family, gratitude, and togetherness.
Brake failure leads to deaths
On Sept 27, a lorry travelling from Semenyih toward Putrajaya lost control at the Bukit Kajang toll due to brake failure, crashing into three cars waiting at lanes eight and nine.
The lorry driver reportedly jumped out of the vehicle as its brakes failed. The crash killed a 16-month-old boy on the spot and injured seven others, who were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Yesterday morning, another victim of the crash died, bringing the total number of fatalities to two.
The 42-year-old driver has since been arrested and is being investigated for reckless driving causing death.
At a press conference last Monday (Sept 29), Loke said preliminary findings showed the transport company involved possessed two valid operating licences and had complied with scheduled inspections at Puspakom.
However, he reminded operators that they have a responsibility to maintain and inspect their vehicles regularly - not only when legally required every six months.
“In this case, it’s clear that the lorry’s braking system failed and was no longer functioning, which caused it to crash into the toll plaza and several vehicles.
“So even if the Puspakom inspection period hasn’t expired, the transport company still bears responsibility to maintain its vehicles and ensure they are in good condition,” the minister said.
Looking for someone to blame
He added that preliminary investigations found the toddler was not secured in a child safety seat, and as a result, was thrown out of the car upon impact and became trapped beneath another vehicle.
Loke stressed that he was not blaming the parents but said it was necessary to remind the public that proper use of child safety seats could have prevented such tragedies.
“When an unfortunate incident like this happens, many tend to look for someone to blame. But as we’ve repeatedly emphasised, every safety feature introduced has its purpose and benefit.
“This incident again shows that when child safety seats are not used, it puts children and infants at risk,” he said.
However, most media outlets only reported the latter part of Loke’s remarks - about the child safety seat - without including his earlier comments on the lorry and its operating company.
This led to online criticism accusing him of victim-blaming. On Sept 30, MCA Young Women’s wing chairperson Ivone Low issued a statement condemning the minister for seemingly shifting the blame for the deadly crash onto the victim’s family.
She argued that he should have instead focused on the lorry driver’s negligence, the company’s management, and enforcement oversight.
On the same day, Loke reiterated that while he accepted and was unbothered by public criticism, he would continue to remind parents to use safety seats to safeguard their children’s lives. - Mkini
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