Abandoned newborn found alive in Kinabatangan oil palm plantation

KOTA KINABALU (Jan 19): An abandoned full-term baby boy was found alive in an oil palm plantation area in Kinabatangan on Saturday.

The baby was discovered at about 7.27pm by a plantation worker while he was carrying out his duties. The worker immediately informed plantation management of the discovery.

Kinabatangan District Police Chief Superintendent Ravi Duraisamy confirmed that police received a report regarding the incident.

He said the baby was estimated to be between three and five days old and was taken to the plantation clinic for initial treatment before being sent to Hospital Kinabatangan.

“Initial examinations found that the baby was full term, alive, weighing approximately 2.4 kilogrammes and in stable condition with no injuries.

“The baby was later referred to the Duchess of Kent Hospital for further monitoring and follow up action by the welfare authorities,” he said in a statement.

Ravi said preliminary investigations revealed that the location was not equipped with closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and that no eyewitnesses have come forward to assist with the investigation so far.

According to him, no arrests have been made and the case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for concealing birth with intent to abandon a baby.

“The offence carries a penalty of imprisonment for up to seven years or a fine or both, if convicted.

“Efforts to trace the individual responsible for this inhumane act are currently ongoing,” he said.

Ravi urged members of the public with any information related to the case to come forward and assist the investigation by contacting the Kinabatangan District Police at 089-561890 or the Investigating Officer, Inspector Nur Syafiqah Dahon at 014-5573735.

“Public cooperation is greatly appreciated to ensure the safety and welfare of the community, especially this innocent baby, continue to be protected,” he said.