Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew has emphasized the critical need to prioritize children’s welfare following an incident where a toddler was discovered wandering alone on Laucala Beach Road in Nasinu. Two women found the child and took him to a nearby police station.
In a statement, ACP Chew pledged that the police would thoroughly investigate all instances of child neglect. He also urged the public to assist in identifying the child’s parents or guardians, leading to the toddler’s eventual reunion with his family after the appeal went viral on social media.
Chew highlighted that the police would consider negligence when addressing such cases, which could result in legal action against parents or guardians. He noted, “This is not the first such case we have encountered. It is very concerning, and as with every report or case involving a child, we will look into negligence, and we have previously charged parents and guardians in similar incidents.”
He recounted past cases where a lack of supervision resulted in tragic outcomes, including drownings, burns, and traffic accidents. He warned that children are naturally curious and can find themselves in dangerous situations in a matter of moments.
The assistant minister for children, Sashi Kiran, echoed these concerns, urging all parents and guardians to be vigilant and to prioritize the welfare of their children. She referred to a recent tragedy where a one-year-old boy was killed after allegedly being struck by a vehicle. The child had left home unnoticed and wandered onto the road.
Kiran stressed the importance of child protection, acknowledging the challenges faced by nuclear families, particularly in urban areas, but encouraged parents to seek support to prevent neglect. She cautioned that any child can be at risk, leading to potentially devastating consequences if not supervised appropriately.