KUALA LUMPUR: While any act of negligence that causes a child's death is reprehensible, charging the parents in court is not the solution, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim.
She said although parents could be charged with negligence, it would not be the best solution.
"Many feel that losing a child is punishment enough and they need not be put through further torment."
Under the Child Act 2001, negligent parents or childcare providers can be sentenced to a maximum fine of RM20,000 or 10 years' jail, or both, upon conviction.
Rohani was commenting on the 3-year-old girl who died after being left alone in her mother's parked car for more than six hours at SMK USJ4 in Subang Jaya on Thursday.
Nawal Iris Samsudin was found dead by her mother, Norzatusy Hazwa Abdul Rahim, 32, at 5.30pm when the teacher was about to go home after work.
Initial investigations found that Norzatusy Hazwa had forgotten to send Nawal Iris to the nursery before she went to work. Rohani said parents, who played the ultimate role in caring for their child, should not be the cause of their death.
She added that no sane parent would harm their child or put them in a dangerous situation.
"It is understandable for parents to juggle between career and responsibilities, but they should not overlook their children's safety."
In light of this, she said the ministry would discuss with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) on introducing new modules in the LPPKN's parenting course to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
"But this is would only serve as a guide. Ultimately, it is in the hands of the parents," she said after disbursing aid to 300 single mothers, old folk, and poor and orphaned children at the Putra World Trade Centre here.
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