Sharmila Sekaran told FMT that there are many situations in which parents refuse to vaccinate their children due to religious beliefs.

“They think they are doing the right thing by not immunising their child,” she added.

She was commenting on news that a 14-month-old girl in Johor Bahru had died of diphtheria as her parents were against immunising her.

Sharmila said cases like this happened due to a lack of knowledge and understanding amongst parents.

She said it was important for parents to be educated on the need for children to be immunised, adding that this might mean government intervention.

“If we are going to move to a situation where we are amending things for the interest of the children, then the government needs to take greater interest and control in this matter.”

She also stressed on the need for research to ensure that parents are informed and can make their own decisions on immunising their children.

“We could reach the point where the government imposes regulations for parents to have their kids immunised, but I’m not sure if that is the right way to go,” she added.

However, she voiced support for a system requiring parents to take their children for medical check-ups.

She also called for a system under which inquiries will be made if parents do not bring their children for such checks.

“If necessary, there should be court intervention where a court order is obtained against parents who refuse to immunise or bring their children for regular check-ups.”