PETALING JAYA: While many parents welcome the mandatory usage of child seats from Jan 1 as a safety measure, they are having some reservations over the cost and adaptation to the new guideline.
Several of them when met voiced their concerns that it might add on to their burden financially, especially with the rising cost of living.
Nuramalina Abdul Wahab said although the measure might help to prevent serious injuries in the event of an accident, she said her two children might not get used to the seat.
“We have never used a child seat before this, so I think my children may have problems adapting.
“Personally, I prefer not to spend money to buy a child car seat, ” said the 29-year-old.
She said it might be extremely hard to persuade her child, especially her one-year-old son, who is used to being carried and breastfed in the car.
Senior business consultant Ezila Farhana said it would be challenging for parents and children to adapt to the new regulation.
“Educational enforcement have to be in place to constantly remind and educate motorists on the importance of buckling up, ” she said.
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However, the mother of two hoped the government would exempt those with large families.
“It may take a toll on my finances if I am expected to upgrade to a bigger car just to fit all the car seats for my children.
“Perhaps, larger families can consider switching to public transport if there’s improved connectivity, ” she said.
For sports trainer Mohd Azan Radzali, his traumatic experience of being involved in an accident has made him a proponent of practising safety measures on the road.
“I know how difficult it is to get children to sit in the child seats. They would cry and scream but if you are patient, I am sure they will get used to it sooner or later, ” said the father of four.
Regarding the cost, the 33-year-old said he opted for second-hand child seats which were cheaper.
“I only bought one brand new seat, while the other two were second-hand, which cost me less than RM150, ” he said.
Mohd Azan said it might be difficult to get every child a car seat due to limited space in the car.
“We can only fit two child seats in the car. My eldest, who is seven, will sit in front while my wife will carry my newborn in the back seat, ” he said.
Mohd Zulhilmi, 29, felt it was an obligation for parents to ensure the safety of their children while travelling on the road.
“I have always made it a practice for my children to be secured in their car seat, even in a long-distance journey.
“We will make a few stops to ensure that they do not get restless, ” he said.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations senior manager Nur Asyikin Aminuddin said the new ruling should not be a burden for families as there was a wide range for parents to choose from.
“Many shops are offering affordable options. There are even shops offering a chit fund as a means for parents to purchase child seats.
“However, they should check first and not fall prey to retailers offering extremely cheap child seats, ” she said.
While calling the authorities to carry out more educational campaigns on this, Nur Asyikin urged parents not to wait until the six-month grace period is over before using the seats.
“Parents should prioritise safety of their children, especially those below three, ” she said.
