Action against parents, guardians for child neglect: Rohani

KUCHING: The recent incident in which a 12-year-old boy died while playing with firecrackers should be a warning to parents, according to Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim.
"We have been warning parents and families to constantly mind what their children are up to. What we are afraid of has happened and I hope this incident will be reminder to parents and guardians.
"This case is now being investigated by police under the Child Act (Child Neglect). We will be very firm in taking action in cases where children are being left on their own by the parents and adults," she told reporters at her Aidilfitri open house here today.
In the incident at 12.15am on Sunday, Haiqal Hakim Zolpaka, a pupil of Sekolah Kebangsaan Matu Baru suffered fatal head injuries when the firecrackers he was playing with, exploded, at Kampung Bintawa Hilir near here.
He was believed to have been playing alone. — Bernama