Mat lajak deaths: Use the law on negligent parents and guardians, says Dr Boo

JOHOR BARU: The Child Act 2001 should be applied to hold parents and guardians responsible for the safety and well-being of children in their care, says a doctor turned DAP politician.

This was especially needed in cases of harm or death stemming from negligence, added former Skudai assemblyman Dr Boo Cheng Hau.

Saying he felt strongly about the fatal mat lajak road accident in 2017, Dr Boo believed that more holistic solutions should be considered.

In a statement on Monday (April 18), he recalled his experiences as a medical officer at Hospital Sultanah Aminah's Neurosurgery Department in 1994 and 1995.

“I witnessed many cases of severe head injuries in children, some resulting in death, that could have been prevented had the parents taken full responsibility for their child’s safety,” he said.

He recalled one incident when a young girl died of severe head trauma.

“The victim was leaning out of the car window when her father was driving. Her head hit a tree branch as the car was passing it, causing her to sustain a severe and fatal head injury.

“Should the parents not be held responsible for disciplining their own children and protecting their lives and safety?” he added.