Not another dead child! Malaysian Govt MUST make child restraints COMPULSORY in Malaysian cars!

We note with grave concern the recent spate of child deaths related to road accidents that could have been prevented if the young victims had been properly restrained in child seats.

It pains our hearts to hear the countless stories of grief and regret from families who have lost their children this way and believe, backed by strong facts, that awareness of the importance of approved child restraints properly installed in cars could have saved many of those lives.

We cannot afford to move on from such tragedies without taking heed of numerous studies that show the loss of life could be prevented. Our public anger and sadness over their deaths must finally be translated into action to stop more senseless deaths that statistics prove need not have occurred.

With this, we urge the government to seriously consider the following measures:
1. Make child restraints and their proper installation compulsory in all four wheeled vehicles
2. Encourage the auto industry to improve child passenger safety standards by only allowing approved child restraints to be sold in Malaysia
3. Encourage consumers to install child restraints by removing import duties and providing tax relief on approved child restraints
4. Allocate funds to educate consumers on the importance of approved child restraints

We also urge Malaysian car manufacturers and distributors to lead the way in child passenger safety by:
1. Relieving the cost burden on consumers by providing child restraints with their cars
2. Conducting child passenger safety awareness programs through the media
3. Conducting child restraint installation workshops for consumers at their dealerships nationwide

With each passing day, a child is dying or severely injured from being thrown out of a car. As a nation that hopes to achieve developed status by 2020, Malaysia should get in line with accepted international standards on car passenger safety. Too many bright young lives that could have contributed to our nation's future have been lost because of simple measures that have not been enforced or put in place.

The time for talk is over. The time for action is now. We hope you are (safely) onboard with us.