Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare following an incident where a toddler was discovered wandering alone along Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Two women found the child and brought him to a nearby police station. In response, the police reached out on social media to help identify the toddler’s parents or guardians, and he has since been reunited with his family.
ACP Chew stated that the police would thoroughly investigate all cases of child neglect. He mentioned that negligence could lead to legal consequences for parents and guardians involved in such incidents. “This is not the first such case we have encountered. It is very concerning,” he said. He highlighted past incidents where children faced dire situations due to neglect, including drowning and severe injuries.
Chew urged parents and guardians to exercise increased vigilance over the children in their care, noting how quickly tragedy can strike.
Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran also addressed the issue, urging all parents and guardians to make children’s welfare a priority and stay aware of their whereabouts. She referenced a recent tragic incident where a one-year-old boy lost his life after wandering onto the road and being struck by a vehicle.
Ms. Kiran acknowledged the challenges that parents may face in urban areas regarding childcare, but stressed the need for support systems to prevent neglect and the potential loss of life.