Negligent Parents Liable Under Child Act

KUALA LUMPUR, March 16 (Bernama) -- Parents of missing children can be charged for negligence under the Child Act 2001, said Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Heng Seai Kie. She said the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry and the authorities were vested with powers to take action against negligent parents and guardians. It is time for parents to take heed of the murder of Nurul Nadirah Abdullah or Dirang, 5, and the tragedy that befell her family, Heng in an interview programme over Bernama Radio24 Wednesday. "I agree with a suggestion that parents and guardians, who are negligent to the safety of their children, should be charged under the Act and I will pursue it with the ministry," added Heng. She said parents should discard lackadaisical attitude on the safety of their children and protect them from harm. Radio24 (or BERNAMA Radio24) is the first news and talk radio station in Malaysia. Broadcasting in both English and Bahasa Malaysia, the station is owned and operated by the Malaysian National news agency, BERNAMA, and broadcasts from Wisma BERNAMA in Kuala Lumpur. -- BERNAMA