IPOH, Malaysia: It is the parents' duty to make sure their children wear a helmet properly if they take them out on a motorcycle.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said: "Don't take such things lightly. Parents have to make sure their children put on a helmet, and strap it properly, when riding pillion."

He was launching the Genting Children's Helmet Campaign yesterday, organised by Resorts World Bhd with the Transport and Education Ministries, the Road Safety Department and the Road Safety Marshal Club.

During the year-long campaign, 500 students in each of nine states will be taught road safety practices through activities like "Cross the Road Safely", "Red to Stop", "Match the Road Signs', 'Seat Belt Station' and "Buckle-up Station'. Each will also receive a helmet.

Perak is the second state where the campaign has been held. Selangor was the first.

"Statistics reveal that 3,898 deaths, or 60 per cent of the overall casualties, were motorcyclists and pillion riders," he said, "and most are from the 6-to-20 age group."

Resorts World executive director Tan Sri Alwi Jantan said children often ride pillion to school without strapping on their helmet, or wearing the incorrect size or a non-Sirim approved helmet.

"We have allocated RM500,000 ($207,150) for the campaign and to distribute helmets to 4,500 students," he said.