Malaysia transport minister Anthony Loke faced criticism after suggesting a child seat could have saved a baby killed in a toll plaza crash. The tragedy happened on Saturday at the Bukit Kajang toll plaza, 30km from Kuala Lumpur, when a truck sped into several cars. One-year-old Amir Husayn was thrown from his parents’ car and crushed under another vehicle. Videos showed the three-tonne truck racing toward the gate before slamming into waiting vehicles. Photos revealed at least one car smashed to half its size.
Loke told reporters that the truck’s brakes failed and the driver jumped out to save himself. He added that police confirmed the baby had not been in a child seat. “Imagine if there was a child seat, the infant would not have been thrown out and possibly could have been saved,” he said. His remarks caused outrage. Many Malaysians argued that authorities should focus on reckless driving and poor enforcement instead of grieving parents.
On Facebook, one commenter asked why the driver did not steer into an empty lane. Another wrote, “Stop blaming the victims!” Others said the minister lacked empathy and should give the family space to mourn. Critics also pointed out that enforcement against heavy vehicle accidents remains weak.
Road safety concerns remain high in Malaysia. The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research reported nearly 1,500 deaths in crashes involving heavy vehicles over six years. That equals one fatality every 36 hours. Many citizens blame lax enforcement for the repeated tragedies.
The government introduced child car seats in January 2020, but enforcement stalled after families complained about costs. Loke stressed that the seats provide vital protection for children aged 12 and under. Police data showed 779 people under 18 died on the road between January and September last year, most of them on motorcycles.
Facing backlash, Loke clarified his intent. He insisted that he was not blaming the parents but reminding the public of the importance of child seats. “This is not about pointing fingers. It proves the importance of a child seat,” he said. Even so, the anger did not fade. Citizens demanded stricter rules for truck safety and better enforcement. For many, the words of the Malaysia transport minister reopened long-standing frustrations about accountability and preventable road deaths.
