Towards Implementation of Child Restraint System Law in Malaysia: The Subsidy Program

Abstract

Car accidents are the leading cause of injury and death among children, and using appropriate child restraint systems can significantly reduce the risk of severe injuries or fatalities. The Child Restraint Systems (CRS) are designed to provide protection and support to children during sudden stops, collisions, or other vehicle accidents. They are specifically designed to accommodate children's size, weight, and developmental stage, providing a secure and protective environment in the event of a crash. However, CRS usage among Malaysian citizens is still unfavorable even though the government has mandated CRS usage in moving private vehicles. To encourage and educate parents on the importance of CRS, Malaysia has launched a subsidy program for the CRS targeted at low-income families. This initiative brought positive results, with a total purchase of 63,395 CRS units, while the CRS usage rate increased to 45% in the
Klang Valley.