The government should ensure stricter enforcement of the Child Act 2001 including taking action against parents who allow their underage children to roam outside the house during the wee hours.

Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) vice-chairman Datuk Kamarudin Md Ali said MCPF wanted such firm action not only after a tragedy had happened as allowing children to go out without supervision would put them at risks.

"There are laws to charge irresponsible parents who neglect their children especially when something untoward happened, but I think it is time to act against parents who allow their children to be out of the house at inappropriate hours.

"In England, underage children are curfewed and not allowed out of the house without parents' permission," he told reporters after a Crime Prevention event organised by MCPF and police here today.

He was commenting on a tragedy where nine teenage cyclists aged between 13 and 16 were killed after being mowed down by a car in Johor Baru at about 3.30 am recently.

Also present were MCPF senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye and Negeri Sembilan deputy police chief SAC Muhamad Zaki Harun.

Kamaruddin said enforcing the existing laws should be stepped up to ensure parents were more responsible and ensure the tragedy did not recur.

The Child Act 2001 provides for a maximum fine of RM20,000 or a jail term of up to 10 years or both upon conviction for child negligence.

Meanwhile, Zaki said all police chiefs in Negeri Sembilan had been ordered to monitor cycling groups especially among youths to prevent accidents similar to the incident in Johor Baru from taking place.

"There are cycling activities among teenagers in the state especially in Seremban but we will monitor them together with the traffic police and so far they are under control," he said.

Meanwhile, Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said MCPF would be creating an Integrity Award in appreciation of the police personnel in looking after public safety and peace as well as the integrity of the force while on duty.

"The award will be held this year and for a start, we will table the event at the MCPF annual meeting in March while the criteria as well as selection of police officers and men will be carried out by police themselves.

"The award winners will receive a plaque, certificate and a cash prize of RM1,000 and we hope to make it as an annual event," he said. - BERNAMA