TWO children lost their lives this year after being left in a car by parents or guardians, Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Siti Zailah Mohd Yusoff told the Dewan Rakyat today.

Similarly, two cases were reported in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

“Even though the numbers are not big, it involves the lives of children,” she said in response to Rubiah Wang’s (Kota Samarahan-GPS) question on the current situation, as well how the ministry deals with this particular type of case.

Siti Zailah, who is MP for Rantau Panjang, said the ministry was tackling the issue through intervention and advocacy.

From a legal standpoint, she said Section 31 of the Child Act 2001 has been amended to address the issue.

Offences under the act can be punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine of RM50,000.

She added that the ministry was also offering counselling services as well as safety, marriage and parenting programmes.

Based on recommendations received, the ministry has also co-operated with agencies such as the Road Safety Department and the Malaysia Institute of Road Safety Research to come up with guidelines such as children can only be seated in the front seat, handbags should be kept at the back seat or under the driver’s seat, as well as keeping the child’s bag in the front to serve as a reminder of the child’s presence. – August 3, 2020.