Current issues, feedback & complaints on public services in Malaysia
I WAS surprised to see Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, vice-chairman of the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation, arguing against the use of the Child Protection Act against parents suspected of neglecting their children (”Not the time to charge negligent parents” - NST, Jan 28).
He suggests that Section 33 of the Act - which provides for fines and jail terms for parents or guardians who abandon their children - should be implemented later, when parents have been educated about their responsibilities to their children.
I am a former welfare officer. Seventeen years ago, when the Act was drafted, we added this clause after studying the relevant laws in other developed countries.
There have been an increasing number of cases of children dying in fires that occur when parents are away, children drowning in rivers and monsoon drains when parents leave them with their siblings, who themselves are too young to take care of anybody.
If anyone cares to look through the newspapers, you will find many more incidents.
And there are also many more incidents that are not reported in the media.
Now who is responsible? The neighbours? The police?
Sometimes, we need to look at the experience of other countries and understand why they have such laws.
Public awareness and safety classes, though necessary, are not enough.
It is still the parents’ responsibility to ensure their children’s safety.
I still believe that the police must take action against at least a few parents to send the message to those who take their responsibilities towards children too lightly.
I am not talking about just low-income families but also rich people living in guarded and gated condominiums.
Children are naive and whatever advice you give them is forgotten. They act on impulse.
Asking the community to report parents who leave their children below 12 years old alone and unattended, will certainly work.
That’s what happens in developed countries. You leave your kids alone, the next morning you will find the police or social services knocking on your door.
It is all because a caring neighbour made a report.
Children are special. If we really care, we must implement the law as provided.
If we are worried about upsetting parents, then something is wrong with the enforcement agencies.
VIJAYAKUMARI PILLAI, Kajang
Source: NST – January 30, 2008
One response to “Children at risk: Negligent parents must pay”
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Peter Yew
January 30th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
You are right of course and I fully support your views. Children are vulnerable to many things at home, in cars and in public places. If parents are not held accountable for accidents, mishaps and criminal acts that befall children then how do we educate parents on their moral role and due responsibility? The law is enacted because many families have failed to love and care for their children until they reach accountable age. There are no mandatory parent counselling courses. Even if they are required some may still avoid providing protective care. Strict implementation of the Child Protection Act help minimize crime against minors, but it must be enforced side by side with the preventive measures from local authorities, transport authorities, the police, schools and welfare departments.
We can say that children are our future but if nothing concrete is done, it is just empty word.