14-year-old picked up for baby dumping

KUCHING: A teenage girl was arrested in connection with a newborn baby dumping incident in Bandar Baru Semariang yesterday (Nov 29).

Kuching police chief ACP Ahsmon Bajah in a brief update, said that the 14-year-old, believed to be the mother of the baby, was arrested around 8 pm.

The baby girl, who was rescued by residents yesterday.

The case is being invesitgated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for concealing a birth and abandonment of a child under the age of 12 by the parents or guardians.

If convicted, the teenager faces a jail term of up to seven years, a fine, or both.

Ahsmon confirmed that police received reports from the public on the discovery of a baby girl at Lorong 19 Cahaya Damai, Bandar Baru Semariang.

Police went to the scene and found the infant in good health.

The newborn was taken to the Sarawak General Hospital for examination, and was referred to the Social Welfare Department (JKM) for necessary action.

The finding went viral on social media with photos and videos depicting the infant with the umbilical cord still attached.

Residents rescued the baby from a plastic bag in the bushes upon hearing her cries.

An elderly woman could be seen wrapping the baby in a towel and, with the help of residents, ensured the infant’s omfort and cleanliness at a nearby eatery.