KUALA LUMPUR: Addressing the cases of delinquency among children, such as a 12-year-old taking a car for joyrides and a teenager impersonating a medical worker, requires a community-wide approach.
Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the focus should be on families and it was not just the government that had a role to play.
"However, everybody has to play their role and we can't address these issues alone, it requires a whole community approach," she said at a press conference after launching the website of the Stivers' Hub, an initiative aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs.
On Saturday, a 13-month-old toddler on a joyride with six other children on a three-wheeled motorcycle died after the vehicle, operated by a 12-year-old, fell into an irrigation canal in Bachok.
In another case, a woman stopped a Perodua Viva car allegedly driven by 12-year-old boy, with two children inside. The boy has been charged with underage driving.
Last Wednesday, a 14-year-old girl was also arrested by police after impersonating a medical officer at the Sultan Idris Shah Hospital in Serdang.
Nancy said the National Social Council chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi played a crucial role in coordinating efforts across various ministries to address social issues, including those affecting children.
"The council caters to issues across the whole community. It's not just our ministry involved, but also the Health Ministry, Youth and Sports Ministry, and the Education Ministry, among others."
Nancy said good values and positive behaviour must be instilled in children from an early age to prevent such incidents.
She said childcare centres and educational institutions were integral parts of this broader strategy.
"Everyone has a role to play, from parents to community leaders. Parents need to ensure that their children have good values, so we don't see situations where kids are allowed to drive cars at such a young age.
"All these sectors are involved in ensuring that we foster positive values in our children," she said.
Nancy called on the community to work together with the government to reduce the risks associated with juvenile delinquency.
"We need to come together as a community to address these issues, ensuring that our children grow up in a safe and supportive environment."