Child Seats Will Be Compulsory in Malaysia by 2020. But First, a Few Questions…

Image source: CPS Malaysia Facebook

Well, the Transport Ministry of Malaysia has changed its mind regarding child seats in cars. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced on Tuesday that they will be made compulsory by 2020.

Earlier, Loke had said that the ruling would be put on hold and considered for its “practicality”. What he said: Malaysian Transport Minister says Child Car Seats May Not Necessarily Be Implemented or Enforced.

 

 


Read: Parents, you’re installing your child’s car seat WRONGLY!


 

Now, it seems that the child seat is deemed necessary (duh). The Ministry said it had wanted to impose the requirement this year but will instead postpone it to 2020. This will give time for “advocacy and awareness programmes” that be implemented next year onwards.

Of course, child seats are important for the safety of our kids in cars. But we expect confusion and plenty of questions; for instance: –

  1. How will large families cope?

 

Let’s face it: Malaysian families have a habit of squeezing their large brood into the smallest of cars. Passengers exceeding the car’s capacity and availability of seatbelts is a common offense that we suspect even the authorities turn a blind eye to. And then, there is the cost of, in many cases, more than one car seat to consider as well as having sufficient space for all members of the family plus child seats.

Unless you don’t mind leaving your least favourite child or children behind.


2. Will high-quality child seats be available at affordable prices?

 

Loke said that he would propose to the Finance Ministry to remove the Sales & Service Tax on child seats, to reduce their retail price.

But even the most basic child seat will set you back a few hundred ringgit. No one said having kids was cheap.


3. How about taxis and Grabcars?

 

Will taxis and Grabcars be required to follow the child seat rules too? The drivers will not be pleased with the extra cost, we can tell you that.

Our neighbour, Singapore, requires that Grabcars abide by the rules, although taxis are exempted. (Don’t ask us why it’s so unfair. We Malaysians have our own, bigger problems.)

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