Loke accused of ‘victim-blaming’ over toddler’s death in Bukit Kajang toll crash

Loke accused of ‘victim-blaming’ over toddler’s death in Bukit Kajang toll crash

KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has drawn criticism online for what many netizens are calling “victim-blaming” following his remarks about the toddler killed in the Bukit Kajang toll plaza crash.

At a press conference today, Loke said the one-year-old boy who died in Saturday morning’s four-vehicle pile-up had not been placed in a child car seat.

“This is not about blaming the parents or victims, but a reminder to everyone. When the Transport Ministry mandates and encourages the use of child seats, many complain. But when incidents like this occur, it proves their importance,” he said after launching the Gombak Integrated Terminal.

This, however, did not sit well with some netizens.

Comments on the New Straits Times’ Facebook page show many users upset with the minister’s remarks, deeming it insensitive and an attempt to deflect blame.

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Ronnie Gaffor wrote: “Shifting the blame. Looking at how the accident happened, the toddler would not have survived even in a car seat.”

Mick Lkl posted: “This is a very insensitive remark to make at this time even though there may be some truth to it.”

Suraj Menon said: “YB, there is a time and place for everything. While it cannot be denied that a baby seat could have saved the baby’s life, making such a statement now will make the grieving family think that blame is being deflected from the lorry owner and driver.”

Similarly, Premeshni Gopalan questioned: “Seeing the speed of the lorry, the impact is too high for a toodler…whether or not (a) child seat could have saved the toddler remains a question mark. Basically, heavy vehicles are to use the left lane at every toll but why was this lorry not?

Others argued Loke should focus on lorry safety and enforcement.

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“Mr Minister should look into whether the lorry was roadworthy and if the driver was responsible. Too many accidents involving lorries nowadays,” wrote Junita Abu Bakar.

Some defended Loke’s message, saying he was right to highlight the importance of car seats.

Joyce PC shared: “Don’t get angry. I think he just highlighted the truth that the baby was supposed to be seated in the child seat as required by Malaysia’s road safety laws.

“On the other hand, if the baby was seated in a child seat and still died, then the lorry driver for sure should be responsible solely for his negligence and irresponsible action.

“As a parent, we should do the right thing to protect our child. I know how sad it is to see this accident snatch the life of an innocent but the YB’s concern is still reminding all road users to learn to protect ourselves and our babies.

“If we have done our part while others’ negligence caused our loved ones to lose their life, at least we have done our part to protect and secure our children.

“I think he just spoke hoping that everyone would protect their loved ones by doing the right thing.”

Conrad Fernandez wrote: “Some people just don’t understand the safety of using seat belts for the front and the passenger seats at the back. Another is the use of child safety seats to prevent the child from being flung out and provide protection.”

Khairil Idzwan asked: “Agreed.. But this is not the first time a fatal accident involving lorries has occurred… What action do you plan to take to prevent it?

The crash killed the toddler and injured seven others when a three-tonne lorry carrying scrap materials ploughed into three vehicles entering lanes eight and nine of the toll plaza after its brakes failed.

Kajang police chief Assistant Commissioner Naazron Abdul Yusof said the lorry had suffered brake failure. The driver, who has two criminal offences — including one drug-related — and four traffic summonses, has been arrested.

Loke added that preliminary police findings showed the baby had been thrown out from the vehicle.

“According to our report, the baby was not in a child seat. If there had been one, the baby would not have been thrown out and might have survived. I’m not drawing conclusions, but at the very least, a child seat provides additional safety features that can save lives,” he said.