Making backseat reminders a habit

LAST night, the nation was shaken by the tragic demise of a five-year-old girl who was inadvertently left unattended in a car for approximately four hours at a Shah Alam hospital parking lot.

This heart-wrenching incident, commonly termed the 'forgotten child syndrome,' is regrettably not an isolated occurrence and has been reported on multiple occasions.

Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, such incidents persist, remaining a potential risk in the future.

This distressing incident can befall anyone, regardless of their status, occupation, or circumstances.

A momentary lapse of attention can lead to the unimaginable loss of a child's life.

Analysing cases from last year until now, the majority of victims are aged between eight months and five years old.

This unfortunate circumstance frequently affects women, particularly mothers, who find themselves overwhelmed by the demands of work and childcare simultaneously.

Life's unpredictable challenges can turn the multitasking abilities of mothers into a tragic incident, leaving a lasting trauma.

Compounding their trauma, these mothers may face charges under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for alleged negligence and child neglect.

So, what preventive measures can be taken to avoid the recurrence of such incidents?

Several recommendations or routines can be considered: