Better safe than sorry: Baby store marketing manager Khaw checking the various child car seats on display at her shop in Jalan Air Itam, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
Parents cite high costs, inconvenience and lack of awareness as reasons
GEORGE TOWN: It has been compulsory for children to be in child seats when travelling in vehicles since January 2020 – but compliance remains weak.
Some parents cite its cost, cramped vehicles or crying children as reasons why they do not use them.
However, the incident where a child died after he was thrown out from a car at the Bukit Kajang Toll Plaza last month was a stark reminder of what could happen if this regulation is not complied with.
The law requires children to be placed in approved child seats suited to their height and weight, with offenders facing fines of up to RM2,000. However, authorities are focusing on educating parents on the importance of child seat use rather than strict enforcement of the rule.
Some parents struggle with compliance, such as shipping manager P. Gunasegaran, 34, who admitted his three-year-old resists child seats.
“It was a hassle but after recent accidents I know I can’t stop using it,” he said, adding that safety must come first even though the child throws tantrums.
Communications executive Balvin Kaur, 39, said the high cost of child seats are the main barrier to parents owning them.
“Imported child seats that meet international standards can cost over RM1,000. For families with two or three children, it is a heavy burden.”
Balvin added that some parents believe child seats are only for babies. “The rule applies until the child is 12 or above 135cm tall. This needs to be communicated clearly,” she said.
Housewife Rahula Loh, 30, said her four-month-old never rides in a car without a child seat.
“If you love your child’s life, put them in a seat. The government should strictly enforce the law.”
She urged parents to plan their finances early in order to buy the child seats.
“Just as you plan for a crib or stroller, buy the seat before the baby arrives. Accidents don’t wait.”
Penang Preschool Teachers Association chairman Sally Ng said awareness is still low.
“Parents tend to use child seats for toddlers but not older children. We advise our 400-plus members to remind parents,” she said, referring to obtaining car seats for older children.
Retailer Ann Khaw, who runs a child seat outlet here, said it is easier if children get used to it from young.
“Child seats range in price from RM500 to RM2,000, with most buyers choosing RM500-RM800 models. Most new cars have Isofix mounts, which lock the seat into the frame for safety,” she explained.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said awareness campaigns would be stepped up.
“Whatever the criticism, my stand is clear – children must use child seats,” he said.
The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) said the use of child seats can reduce the chance of children aged 0-4 dying in serious crashes by up to 71% but said by 2022, only about 30% of parents used them.
From 2014 to 2023, an average of 434 children were killed in road crashes each year – about eight deaths a week.
Miros warned that sudden deceleration (during emergency braking, for example) can easily throw a child from an adult’s arms and only a certified, properly installed child seat can prevent fatal injuries.
Miros urged parents to have seats inspected for correct installation and called on carmakers and manufacturers to improve design and usability.
