Parents of child in escalator fall can be charged: Rohani
Published on: Wednesday, October 19, 2016
Putra Jaya: The parents of a three-year-old girl who fell off an escalator at a shopping complex in Bukit Jambul, Penang can be charged with negligence.Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim said the action could be taken under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act for causing physical injury. If found guilty, the couple can be fined up to RM20,000 and imprisoned up to 10 years, or both.Rohani said the ministry was waiting for the outcome of police investigations into the incident which befell Nur Akilah Amani Zuraimi Hashim on Sunday before discussing the matter with the Director of the Children's Division for further action.ADVERTISEMENT "Many reminders and warnings have been given, including via the media, to the public to exercise caution when using the escalator, but incidents like this still happen."The purpose (of the action) is not to punish the parents but as a preventive measure and to create awareness so that everyone looks at this matter seriously and takes note," she told reporters after chairing the Women's Advisory and Consultative Council (MPPW), here, Tuesday.She said the department had taken legal action against negligent parents, especially involving children who were left in vehicles but those cases were not publicised.Last Sunday, Nur Akilah Amani fell from the escalator in the shopping complex, causing a fracture on the skull, as well as internal haemorrhage.ADVERTISEMENT Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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On a separate matter, Rohani said the ministry would submit input on its target groups for Budget 2017.This included continuing a subsidy for mammogram tests for the early detection of breast cancer and empowering women from the lower income group (B40), through increasing job opportunities and improving online business skills to generate income, she added.