Concerns are growing over child welfare after a recent incident where a toddler was found wandering alone near Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of children, stating that tragedy could occur if their welfare is not taken seriously.
The police discovered the child after two women reported finding him alone. Following the incident, the police reached out on social media to help identify the toddler’s parents or guardians. Fortunately, the child was reunited with his family after the post gained widespread attention.
Commissioner Chew indicated that the police would thoroughly investigate cases of child neglect and may consider bringing legal charges against negligent parents or guardians. He noted, “This is not the first such case we have encountered,” expressing concern over previous incidents where children faced harm due to lack of supervision.
He highlighted several tragic cases involving children, such as drownings and injuries that occurred because of neglect. “These cases were unfortunate because they were avoidable if the issue of supervising children was prioritized. They are young and inquisitive, and it only takes a few seconds for a tragedy to happen,” he cautioned.
In light of these events, Assistant Minister for Children Sashi Kiran appealed to all parents and guardians to take their responsibilities seriously and ensure they know the whereabouts of their children. Kiran referred to a recent incident where a one-year-old boy was tragically killed after wandering onto a road unnoticed, emphasizing the urgent need for child protection awareness.
“We understand that parents in urban areas may find it challenging to arrange childcare, but it’s crucial to seek the right support to prevent neglect and avoidable tragedies,” she said.