Bill on new Child Act to be tabled at next Parliament sitting

The bill on a new, comprehensive child act now in the final stage of completion to replace the Child Act 2001, is to be tabled at the next Parliament sitting.

Women, Family and Community Development Deputy Minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said the new act would contain additional provisions on the protection of children and the penalties on offenders for abusing or neglecting children.

"All matters related to children's welfare are taken into consideration and included in the new act," she told reporters after attending an Aidilfitri function at Wisma Wanita, Tuesday.

Azizah said the new act also took into consideration the views of all concerned parties, including parents and non-governmental organisations.

She said focus was also given to counselling for families with problems, besides improving the child protection services.

Some quarters feel that the penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment or a fine of up to RM20,000, or both, under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 are insufficient.

The penalties are seen as not commensurating with the misdeeds of the offenders which will have a lasting effect on the young victims.

On the dumping of foetuses, Azizah said if the foetuses were categorised as babies, the penalties would also come under the new Act.

On another matter, she welcomed the proposed introduction of a child car seat regulation to ensure the safety of children.

"The time has come for mandatory use of child seats in vehicles to prevent unwanted incidents from happening," she said.