Parents taking along children to rallies face prosecution

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KUALA LUMPUR: Parents who take their children along to the gathering organised by the opposition today can be prosecuted under the Child Act 2001.

The Director-General of the Social Welfare Department, Datuk Noraini Mohd Hashim said in a statement here yesterday that parents or guardians were advised against involving children under their care in any activity that could be harmful such as participating in an illegal rally.

She said that anyone bringing their children to such rallies could be charged under Subsection 31(1) of the Child Act 2001, which carried a fine of not more than RM20,000 or imprisonment of not more than 10 years, or both upon conviction.

In this context, she hoped that parents or guardians would protect and not endanger the lives and security of their children.

In Batu Pahat, Deputy Education Minister Dr Mohd Puad Zakarshi warned school teachers and students against participating in a gathering organised by the opposition in the federal capital today.

He said the warning was issued because the ministry did not want them to show bad example to others.

“Teachers are well aware of the regulations and ethics outlined by the ministry which they have to comply with. So, the advice is for them to not take the risk.

“Apart from that, the ministry also does not want the teaching profession to be tarnished when they participate in a gathering that might turn unruly ,” he said. — Bernama