Baby girl dies of chest, abdominal trauma; step-grandmother to be charged with murder

JOHOR BAHRU – A 16-month-old baby girl has died after allegedly being a victim of abuse and murder by her step-grandmother, who had been caring for her since birth at Taman Sri Saujana, Kota Tinggi on July 31.

The baby's mother handed over the care of her child to the woman because she was still studying at a vocational college in the state.

Johor police chief Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad, said the report regarding the incident was received from the victim's 39 year old step-grandmother at about 9.30am on July 31.

He said the woman claimed the baby was unconscious when she tried to wake her from sleep.

"Medical personnel were then called to provide resuscitation assistance, but the victim was confirmed dead at the scene at 10.30am on the same day.

"Initial investigations were conducted under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for neglecting the victim until death," he said during a press conference at the Johor police contingent headquarters (IPK) here on Tuesday.

Ab Rahaman said a post-mortem conducted by a Forensic Medical Specialist at Pasir Gudang Hospital at 10.15am on Aug 2 revealed the cause of death was trauma to the abdomen and chest caused by a blunt object.

"An examination also revealed wound and bruise marks on the victim's body, believed to be the result of abuse," he said.

Following the discovery, he said the investigation paper was reclassified under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.

He said the police subsequently arrested the victim's step-grandmother, grandfather, and mother to assist with the investigation.

However, he stated that no weapons were seized in the case.

"Her step-grandmother will be charged at the Magistrate's Court in Kota Tinggi tomorrow, whilst the other two who were detained have been released on bond under Section 118 of the Criminal Procedure Code to act as prosecution witnesses," he said.