JOHOR BARU: The death of yet another child left behind in a vehicle has caused an outcry, with many calling for urgent reforms to safety protocols.
Non-governmental organisations and child activists are calling for attendance verification in school vehicles and two-way communication.
They have also suggested using systems to detect the presence of children, as well as RFID or barcode scanners when boarding and exiting.
With the latest case involving a school van, child activist Datuk Dr Amar Singh HSS said the prevention mechanism had to be different from vehicular hyperthermia (heatstroke) that involved parents forgetting their children.
Dr Amar, a consultant paediatrician, said preschool or school staff must verify that all students have arrived.
“If a child does not show up at the correct time, childcare providers or teachers should call the parents within 10 minutes,” he said, adding that it takes less than 30 minutes for a child to die in a closed vehicle.
He said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry had announced such a standard operating procedure (SOP) for nursery operators in 2023, but there is still no word about the implementation.
Dr Amar also called for a mandatory end-of-route check for drivers, where the driver must walk through the van or bus to ensure no child is left behind. It includes checking under the seats.
He also suggested the use of systems for detecting a child’s presence as well as RFID or barcode scanners.
“Each child’s death is a national tragedy,” he said.
Children’s rights activist Datuk Dr Hartini Zainuddin also questioned the failure to uphold basic safety procedures.
“What happened to the basic SOP and training?” she asked.
Hartini, the founder of Yayasan Chow Kit, said authorities should make headcounts mandatory besides the installation of internal safety latches or alarms in vans or buses.
Johor Women’s League president Thanam Visvanathan-Suresh said the tragedy could have been averted if there had been a basic level of care and attention from adults.
“This is not rocket science. When transporting young children, it must be routine for drivers to walk through the vehicle after drop-off to ensure no one is left behind.
“A simple check could have saved that child’s life.
“At what point do we realise that when dealing with children, we have to be doubly alert?” she asked.
Social media users were also outraged over the death of the five-year-old boy.
“Carelessness leads to an innocent child’s death. I just can’t imagine the pain the parents are undergoing,” said Kevin Arshavin on Facebook.
“My heart goes out to the family. May you rest in peace, little guy,” said Shirley Tay.
“Negligence of the van driver. Cannot comprehend what happened here,” said Tengku Aisharila.
“Heartfelt condolences. Heartbreaking and praying for the family,” said Sherlin Anita Long.
Also expressing his condolences was Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin, who said he was saddened by the tragic incident.
“May the family of Yu Zie be given strength and perseverance during this difficult time,” he said.
