LANGKAWI: A two-year-and-10-month-old girl died after being left inside her grandfather’s car for about two hours at Taman Sungai, Jalan Ayer Hangat last Monday.
Kedah police chief Datuk Zainuddin Yaacob said the girl was found unconscious inside the car parked outside the family house, and was pronounced dead at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital, here.
“Earlier, her 73-year-old grandfather had gone to pick up her brother and sister from school in the Perodua Bezza.
“The victim was seated in the back and was believed have fallen asleep. After arriving home, the grandfather went straight into his house, thinking the victim had gotten out of the car,” he said in a statement here today.
Datuk Zainuddin said about two hours later, the victim’s mother woke up and realised her daughter was not in the house. She went to the grandfather's house but failed to find her there.
“She and the grandfather then searched inside the car and found the victim unconscious in the back seat, with the windows and doors closed. The victim did not respond and was taken to the hospital for further treatment before being confirmed dead,” he added.
Zainuddin said the full post-mortem report had not been obtained. However, initial report indicates the cause of death is likely heatstroke.
“The police are investigating the case under Section 31 (a) of the Child Act 2001 and, if convicted, those found guilty are liable to a fine not exceeding RM20,000 or jail not exceeding 10 years, or both,” he added.
Zainuddin also advised parents and guardians to be more aware and keep a watchful eye on their children to avoid any untoward incidents.
“If there is evidence of negligence, they will be prosecuted,” he added. -Bernama