Miros said that while child seats or child restraint systems (CRS) had been compulsory since 2020, a 2022 study by the institute found that only 30% of children were properly secured in such seats.

When properly installed, age-appropriate child seats can cut the risk of death in car accidents for children aged zero to four by up to 71%, it added.

“Miros calls on parents and guardians to ensure that every journey with children includes the use of standard-compliant, correctly installed child seats.

“The institute also urges policymakers, enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to intensify advocacy, education and enforcement of CRS usage in Malaysia,” it said in a statement today.

Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said yesterday that the one-year-old who died in the accident on Saturday was not secured in a child seat.

Eight people were injured in the crash which involved a lorry, two SUVs and a car. The lorry driver said he jumped out of the vehicle as its brakes had failed.

Miros said its crash team was inspecting the lorry’s braking system to determine whether mechanical failure or other factors had caused the accident.

The institute is working with the police, road transport department and Land Public Transport Agency to ensure a thorough probe.

It said the findings of the probe would be crucial for prevention measures.

“Identifying the root cause is crucial to formulating effective preventive measures,” it added.

It reminded lorry operators to always check their braking systems, tyres and other critical components before starting a journey, while stressing the need to observe speed limits, rest schedules and safe driving practices.