Don't compromise child safety - Dr Mohamed Fadzil

All quarters should not look lightly at matters involving child safety because the children themselves still do not know how to protect themselves, said president of the Malaysian Board of Counsellors, Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din.

He said children between the age of six and 10 love fantasies and are active, running, jumping and climbing without thinking of their safety.

"Certainly the movement of children who are active and imaginative cannot be contained because it is part of growing, but how can parents ensure what their children do does not harm them?

"The answer is prevention, monitoring and taking safety measures," he added.

He said issues on child safety no longer took centre stage as parents were now more concerned with their children's academic achievement, behaviour and social skills than their safety.

"It only crops up when there is untoward incident that claimed the life of a child. Then, it is too late," he told Bernama here Monday.

Referring to recent incidents on a toddler found beheaded and a girl who died after falling from a third floor of a shopping mall, he said they should serve as a lesson for parents.

He said parents should realise that children who grew up in a modern environment tend to be active, energetic, as well as imaginative, and these exposed them to higher risks.

Parents should not think that public places which are beautiful and crowded are safe and suitable for children, especially when parents are busy with their social gadgets that do not focus on their children's movement, he added.

Meanwhile, National Welfare Foundation chairman Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil suggested that manager of public places, like shopping centres and theme parks, should ensure the premises are child-friendly.