PETALING JAYA: Police have issued 16,628 summonses to parents or guardians for allowing their underaged children to drive since 2023, out of a total of 917,350 summonses issued to unlicensed drivers.
Bukit Aman Traffic Enforcement and Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri said a few parents take the law lightly and do not prioritise their children’s safety, especially concerning road regulations, Utusan Malaysia reported.
As a result, he considers those who allow their children to ride motorcycles or drive cars without a licence as committing a form of serious neglect.
“Parents can also be fined according to Section 31(1)(a) of the Children’s Act 2001 for neglect or exposing a child to risk, which carries a penalty of a fine of not less than RM2,000 or imprisonment of not less than six months, or both.
“Stricter penalties should be imposed on parents who allow underage children to drive without a licence,” he was quoted as saying.
Mohd Yusri said many parents took shortcuts by allowing their children to drive, thinking it would ease household tasks, but this only created bigger risks.
“Some think driving without a licence is just a matter of formality or a technical offence. In reality, licences are issued only after proper training and courses,” he said.
He added that breaking traffic laws from an early age could lead to worse behaviour in the future.
“Studies show that teenagers who start flouting the law early are more likely to engage in illegal racing, vandalism and even drug abuse.
“They may also grow up believing rules and regulations can be ignored, including school discipline, work ethics and national laws,” he said.
Drivers found guilty can be fined for not more than RM2,000 or imprisoned for three months, while the vehicle owner can also be subject to actions according to Section 26(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
