KUCHING: Baby hatches are a good option for mothers who, for one reason or another, are unable to care for their newborns.
Deputy Minister of Women, Early Childhood, and Community Development Datuk Rosey Yunus said the ministry had established baby hatches within hospitals to address cases like these.
She said the aim is not to encourage teenage pregnancies but to offer a safe haven for infants in situations where parents may be unable to care for them.
“We understand that instances of unplanned pregnancies among teenagers do occur. In such cases, rather than discarding the baby, we advise parents to utilise the facilities available,” she said.
She was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Sarawak Children’s Festival 2023 at the Pustaka Negeri Sarawak compound here Saturday (Aug 19).
Rosey gave the reminder in the aftermath of a newborn found abandoned at Moyan Square recently.
Addressing the concern of teenagers facing unwanted pregnancies, she assured that assistance is readily available.
She encouraged those in need to reach out to the Sarawak Women and Family Department (JWKS) or Sarawak Social Welfare Department (JKM) for support, stressing that there are protection facilities specifically designed for such cases.
“No one should feel compelled to resort to baby-dumping. There’s always a way of helping.
“We find it truly saddening to witness incidents like this. Our hope is that any young individual facing such challenges is aware that there is a place for them to turn to,” she added.
Rosey said she did not have information on the current condition of the abandoned infant but highlighted the standard protocol for such cases.
Typically, she said, the Department of Welfare takes custody of the child and provides the necessary care.
Depending on the circumstances, she said the child might also be considered for adoption by suitable families.
On Friday (Aug 18) a newborn girl was found abandoned near a dumpster at Moyan Square, Batu Kawa.
The baby was found in a cardboard box by waste collection workers early in the morning.
