Newborn abandoned, mother and partner arrested

PENDANG - A baby girl was found alive in a basket on the road near a rubber plantation in Kampung Datuk Syed Ahmad yesterday.

Pendang district police chief Deputy Superintendent Arriz Sham Hamezah said that the police were alerted of the discovery at about 7.05pm.

The baby, wrapped in a batik cloth and a towel, was found alive with traces of blood, umbilical cord, and placenta.

"The police and Sungai Tiang Health Clinic staff examined and found that the baby girl was still alive.

"We believe that the baby had been left in the area less than 12 hours before she was found and was only recently delivered, as there was a trace of blood," Arriz told reporters today.

The baby was sent to Pendang Hospital for further examination.

He added that two individuals in their 20s, a woman believed to be the baby's mother and a man believed to be her partner, were arrested in the Sik district to assist the investigation.

"They are not residents of Pendang, but reside in Sik. The investigation is still underway to determine how the baby was left in the area," Arriz said.

The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for concealing a birth.

Both suspects have no previous criminal record and tested negative for drugs.

The two suspects will be remanded in Alor Setar Court tomorrow to assist with the investigation.

"The baby is in good health and is still being treated at the hospital.

"She will be managed by the Social Welfare Department (JKM)," added Arriz.