A 2-year-old boy tragically passed away yesterday evening (27 January) after being left in a car parked behind a bank near Jalan Tunku Hassan in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan.
The victim had been left in the vehicle since 8:00 AM and was only discovered at 5:00 PM.
Seremban District Police Chief ACP Azahar Abdul Rahim was quoted by Berita Harian as saying that police received a MERS 999 call from a member of the public at approximately 6:15 PM.
“Initial investigations found the victim unconscious in a white Proton Saga. It is believed the victim’s mother inadvertently left him in the vehicle at 8:00 AM after forgetting to drop him off at the babysitter’s. The mother only discovered the child at 5:00 PM after finishing work,” he revealed.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, and the mother has been detained to assist with the investigation.
How to prevent this from happening
Malaysian health content creator Dr Kamarul Ariffin Nor Sadan took to his Facebook page to share several tips aimed at helping parents prevent such tragedies.
“This is not the first time this has happened. One of the causes is (accidental) negligence. It can happen to anyone, including our own children, so we need to deal with this problem,” he noted.
This image is for illustration purposes only.
Here are his tips:
1. Do not place the child’s car seat directly behind the driver’s seat
“This is a blind spot. Instead, place the seat behind the front passenger seat so the child remains within your field of view.”
2. Always make it a habit to check the cabin
“This includes checking both the front passenger area and the back seat before locking your vehicle. Make this a standard practice starting today.”
3. Place a stuffed toy in the child’s seat
“When the child is in their seat, move a doll or stuffed toy to the front passenger seat. Choose one that is large and brightly colored; it serves as a visual reminder that your child is in the back.”
4. Always keep your child’s bag in the front with you
“This follows the same logic as the previous tip. Seeing the bag next to you acts as a constant reminder that your child is in the car seat behind you.”
5. Place essential items in the back seat with your child
“Place items you cannot leave without—such as your work bag, office keys, employee ID, or even your left shoe—in the back seat. (Note: You need your right shoe to drive, as driving barefoot is not recommended for safety reasons.)”
6. Place a tag or label on the driver’s side door
“Use a physical indicator to show that a child is in the car. You can purchase a specialised label or make one yourself using household items.”
7. Ask schools or babysitters to call you if your child does not arrive on time
“Request that your childcare provider alert you if your child is late. You can also ask your partner to check in, especially if there is a change in the usual drop-off routine.”
8. Use a phone device or application as a reminder
“The simplest method is to use your phone’s ‘alarm’ function. Set a recurring alarm for your arrival time whenever you are travelling with your child.”
What do you think about this? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.
Also read: 3yo Girl Sustains Severe Injuries After Jumping Out of Car on Her First Day of Preschool in Pahang
