Child left in car cases: Develop app to assist parents - State exco

SHAH ALAM - The Selangor government is in need of start-up companies that can develop applications and devices to help parents monitor their children digitally and physically, such as in vehicles or childcare centres.

State executive councillor for women empowerment and welfare Anfaal Saari said that such applications were crucial to prevent incidents of children being left in cars resulting in fatalities from recurring.

"In this situation, I think it would be very beneficial if there were smart interventions through technological innovation," she said.

Anfaal said that the state government had also planned to implement the 'Kempen Keluarga Selamat Selangor' in the near future.

She hoped that the campaign could raise awareness among parents and members of the community about child safety.

"I welcome the cooperation of various parties in making this campaign a success, especially non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and industry players," she said.

She added that other efforts were being made including collaboration with the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) Selangor to implement awareness campaigns on children's digital safety, as they are exposed to internet and social media dangers such as sexual predators.

Anfaal also extended her condolences to the families of a five-year-old girl who died after being found unconscious in a car after being left there for about four hours in the parking area of a hospital here on Tuesday.

"As a mother, I am deeply saddened by this news.

"This case serves as a 'red flag' warning, especially to me as a policymaker, because the same issue has occurred repeatedly," she said.