Toddler's death renews debate on child car seats, Anthony Loke confirms victim was unsecured

SHAH ALAM – Transport Minister Anthony Loke has confirmed that the one-year-old toddler, Amir Husayn, who died in the Bukit Kajang Toll Plaza accident last Saturday was not secured in a child safety seat.

Speaking at a press conference after launching the Gombak Integrated Terminal today, Loke stressed that the tragedy highlighted the importance of child car seats, a topic that has long been debated in Malaysia.

Amirul Ridzuan Abu Bakar, 39, and his wife, Nurul Husna Khairuddin, 38, with their twin boys.

“This is not about blaming the parents or victims, but it is a reminder to everyone that when the Transport Ministry mandates and encourages the use of child seats, many complain. But when incidents like this occur, it proves the importance of having child seats,” he said.

Loke added that preliminary findings from the police showed the baby was ejected from the vehicle during the crash.

“According to our preliminary report and based on our cross-check with the police, the baby was not placed in a child seat at the time of the crash. If there had been a child seat, the baby would not have been thrown out and might have survived,” he said.

Loke added that he is not drawing conclusions, but at the very least, a child seat provides additional safety features that can save lives and protect passengers.

The toddler’s death has reignited debate on social media over the use of child car seats in Malaysia.

Many users have been questioning why parents still fail to place children in safety seats despite repeated reminders and enforcement campaigns.

That faulty brakes on a lorry were believed to have caused the crash involving four vehicles.

The issue of child restraint systems first came into focus when the government made them mandatory in January 2020.

However, enforcement was later relaxed following public backlash over cost and readiness.

Some social media users argued that Loke was “subtly putting the blame on the parents” instead of addressing the role of the lorry involved in the crash.

“Oh my god! It is a child seat. Saying not to blame anyone, but then subtly placing the blame on the child seat. Why was the lorry not on the correct lane in the first place?,” one user wrote.

Others countered, saying that Loke was reminding the public about preventive measures.

“He is advising for future victims’ lives. It is called mitigating the damage. Had the child been placed in a child seat, chances of the child being thrown out would reduce,” another user commented.

Several also highlighted Malaysia’s lack of awareness of the importance of child car seats compared to other countries.

“Malaysia still lacks awareness of baby car seats as compared to other countries. Also, please consider an affordable car seat for the B40, then implementing strict bay rule on baby car seat. Shouldn't be an optional anymore,” said one comment.