Activists, parents want stricter action on child car seats

 

Child rights activists and parents are urging the government to implement stricter actions against parents whose children are not belted up in the car or are not in car seats.

This call comes after a video was uploaded on X, showing a man driving without a seatbelt with a child who was not in a child car seat. The video garnered nearly two million views before being deleted.

Following the mandatory requirement for child restraint systems (CRS) in private vehicles since 2020, child activist Dr Hartini Zainudin now insists fines should be issued against negligent parents.

Hartini emphasised the importance of holding parents accountable for putting their children in danger and recording such videos.

“Absolutely (on issuing summons against parents),” she asserted.

“It is crucial to promote responsible behaviour, including obeying traffic laws and using proper safety equipment like car seats and seatbelts,” she told Malaysiakini.

In 2019, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the decision to mandate CRS usage and stated that no stern action would be taken against violators during the first six months to allow for public education and familiarisation with the new ruling.

This regulation was gazetted under the Road Transport Department through the Road Transport Act 1978 - Motor Vehicles (Safety Seatbelts) (Amendment) Rules 2019.

Convenience over safety

At this juncture, the enforcement strategy involves advocating for compliance among those caught not using CRS for their children.

Suhakam commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki suggested imposing fines against parents under the Road Transport Act 1987, as the police can do it.

Farah also addressed concerns about parents’ prioritisation for convenience over safety.

She stressed the need for action against negligent parents under Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 while acknowledging the Social Welfare Department’s resources and capacity limitations.

“Overseas, children can be taken away by social services if parents are negligent. However, our Welfare Department doesn’t have enough resources and capacity.

“(Therefore) I believe it is time for action to be taken against negligent parents,” she said.

Affordability concerns

Natasha Zainal is a 34-year-old mother of two who supports the imposition of fines against parents but understands that some families might have difficulties getting the CRS due to financial reasons.

Natasha proposed that at least the youngest child in the family use the CRS.

“If they cannot afford a CRS, the children should be seated in the back with seatbelts on,” she recommended.

On the affordability aspect, Childline Foundation director Wong Poai Hong proposed a holistic approach involving parents, car manufacturers, and dealers.

Wong suggested bundling car seats as an added feature when selling cars to young families and emphasized the importance of proper education and installation of car seats for effectiveness.

She highlighted the financial challenges faced by B40 families in affording car seats, making enforcement of regulations difficult without addressing affordability.

“For many families, especially those facing poverty, putting food on the table is already a challenge, making car seats seem like a non-priority expense,” she added. - Mkini