SIBU: Police have arrested two locals in connection with an abandoned newborn baby boy found in a rubbish basin along Jalan Tong Sang yesterday (Oct 29).
Sibu police chief ACP Zulkipli Suhaili in a statement, confirmed that the suspects are a 44-year-old man and a 14-year-old teenage girl.
“Both of them will be remanded to assist with investigations.
“The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for concealing the birth of a baby with intent to abandon. If convicted, they could face a prison sentence of up to two years, or a fine, or both,” he said.
Anyone with information on the case, is urged to contact the investigating officer Insp Ahmad Zam Zam Ismail at 014-9067909 or 084-364373.
Zulkipli confirmed that the police received an emergency call from a passerby at 8.30 am regarding the find.
“The newborn, found with the umbilical cord attached, has been sent to Sibu Hospital for examination and further treatment.
“Examinations at the hospital’s emergency room revealed that the baby, weighing 1.48kg, was born normally with no signs of injury on the body,” he said.
Yesterday, the incident went viral on social media after numerous photos and videos showed the baby in a foetal position, his head resting on a plastic bag, and his face close to the basin’s mold-streaked walls.