Parents should be held responsible for negligence, says Suhakam
The rise in road accidents among children, particularly between the ages of six to ten, where incidents increased from 97 to 111 last year, has prompted urgent calls for legislative action.
SHAH ALAM - The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is calling for stricter accountability for parents and guardians following a spate of road accidents involving underage motorcyclists, which have led to tragic fatalities.
In a statement, the Suhakam's Children's Commissioner (CC) Dr Farah Nini Dusuki voiced deep concern over these preventable incidents highlighting significant parental responsibility lapses.
Farah pointed out recent tragic events and the alarming negligence displayed in two specific cases.
"A distressing incident involved a 12-year-old boy, who while riding a three-wheeled motorcycle, caused the death of a 13-month-old toddler in Kubang Kerian.
"Another heartbreaking case involved two 13-year-olds who died after crashing into each other while performing stunts late at night in Elmina," she said.
Farah said that these accidents, which involved expired road tax and insurance and reckless behaviour like performing wheelies at night, could have been averted with proper parental supervision.
She stressed the legal consequences of such negligence, citing that under Malaysian law, parents or guardians could face harsh penalties.
"Parents or guardians can be fined up to RM50,000 or imprisoned for up to 20 years under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 if their negligence results in physical injury to their child.
"Allowing or causing a child under 16 to drive is punishable by fines up to RM2,000 or imprisonment for up to six months under Section 39(5) of the Road Transport Act 1987," she said.
The rise in road accidents among children, particularly between the ages of six to ten, where incidents increased from 97 to 111 last year, has prompted urgent calls for legislative action.
Farah urged the Transport Ministry and Road Transport Department (RTD) to fast-track the enactment of new laws aimed at curbing the purchase of motorcycles by unlicensed riders.
She also called for an update on the proposed 'B3' motorcycle licence category that would limit individuals aged 16 to 20 to operating only electric bikes and low-powered mopeds not exceeding 70cc.
"It is crucial for the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to provide a clear update on this matter to ensure swift and transparent progress," she added.
Farah also reiterated Suhakam's stance on the need for stringent enforcement of parental accountability to prevent further tragedies.
"These losses are profound and entirely preventable.
"It is imperative that we enforce strict accountability to safeguard our children and prevent any more such needless deaths," she said.
