Reduced cognitive capacity induced by stress or a lack of sleep could inadvertently lead to the fatal situation where a parent or guardian accidentally leaves a child in a locked vehicle.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chief research officer A Azad Abdul Rashid said the tragic phenomenon is commonly referred to as the "forgotten baby syndrome".

"Not exclusive to Malaysia, the heartbreaking tragedy captures the public’s attention who observe with mixed feelings of sympathy and disbelief: how could a mother forget about her child...