NEGLIGENCE can be fatal, and while child neglect can sometimes be unintended, it can have very real consequences, warned Beliawanis MCA national chairperson Ivone Low Yi Wen.
She was commenting on the recent spate of child neglect cases in the country, among them teachers facing neglect charges, childcare assistants accused of abuse and the tragic death of a young girl who died while trapped in a folding table, which she said reveal troubling patterns of oversight.
“To prevent such tragedies, caregivers, teachers, and childcare workers must receive comprehensive training on child safety,” she stated.
“Regular performance assessments and ongoing monitoring are essential to ensure adherence to safety standards. It is equally important to establish clear, accessible, and confidential channels for reporting negligence, neglect or abuse.
“These systems empower people to raise concerns without fear of retaliation, ensuring prompt action is taken when necessary.”
According to Low, public education campaigns can help highlight the importance of recognising and addressing the signs of neglect, while stronger laws and stricter enforcement are required to hold those responsible for child neglect accountable.
Legislation should be robust, with severe penalties for neglect and mandatory safety standards in childcare settings to prevent such incidents, she added.
“For parents, neglect can sometimes be as simple as being too busy to oversee their child, with their focus elsewhere, or not paying enough attention to the environment in which their children find themselves,” she remarked.
Low said child neglect poses significant dangers, including physical injury and loss of life although she pointed out that neglect can cause serious harm even without visible injuries.
She noted that beyond physical abuse, neglected children often face long-term effects such as developmental delays, poor academic outcomes, mental health difficulties, and an increased risk of continuing the cycle of neglect as adults. We should not take emotional trauma lightly.
“Just because a child hasn’t been physically or intentionally hurt doesn’t mean neglect isn’t just as damaging. Child neglect is a preventable tragedy. It is a shared responsibility to ensure children grow up in safe, nurturing environments where they can thrive. – Jan 8, 2025
Main image: Bernama
