Came for love, caught in drug case - and now raising a baby in prison

The Indonesian national, who has three children from a previous marriage, only discovered she was pregnant while already in prison.

NIK AMIRULMUMIN NIK MIN
By  NIK AMIRULMUMIN NIK MIN
16 Jun 2026 11:19am
Salma is currently awaiting trial on a charge under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.
Salma is currently awaiting trial on a charge under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

BENTONG – A newborn baby typically leaves hospital to a warm homecoming, welcomed with joy by family.

But this baby boy's fate was different. Since his birth four months ago, he has grown up behind iron bars, staying close to his mother at Bentong Prison in Pahang.

It all stemmed from a life decision made by his mother, Salma (not her real name), 32, who came to this country for love before being arrested together with her partner on drug trafficking charges in May, last year.

The Indonesian national, who has three children from a previous marriage, only discovered she was pregnant while already in prison.

"At the time, I was only two weeks pregnant. I was scared of what was coming and even more worried knowing I would eventually have to be separated from my baby.

"I have no one here. The baby's father is also being held at Penor Prison, while my family is far away in Indonesia," she told Sinar during an interview conducted with the prison's permission.

Prison staff at Bentong Prison help care for Salma's baby at the dedicated care centre provided within the facility.
Prison staff at Bentong Prison help care for Salma's baby at the dedicated care centre provided within the facility.

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Salma is currently awaiting trial on a charge under Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

As a remand detainee, she said she is still permitted to care for her baby herself — unlike convicted inmates whose children are placed in a dedicated care centre in a separate block and who must follow the prison's daily schedule.

"I even went through my postpartum confinement period in prison. All welfare needs and necessities are provided, but there is still a sadness knowing my child has to grow up behind stone walls," she said.

Salma added that her baby's presence has been warmly received by fellow detainees, bringing some comfort and helping to ease their longing for their own children and families outside.

Asked about her baby's future if she was convicted, Salma said she has no choice but to hand custody to her family in Indonesia.

"All I can do is hope that my family will accept and take good care of my child," she said.

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