Stillborn baby found in garbage pile in Lahad Datu

KOTA KINABALU: A stillborn baby was found discarded in a garbage chute at the Fajar area in Lahad Datu district.

Lahad Datu OCPD Asst Comm Dr Rohan Shah Ahmad said the baby boy was found wrapped in a grey striped blouse by garbage collectors at about 11.30pm on Saturday (July 15).

A 44-year-old old garbage collector working for a private cleaning contractor found the child in a pile of garbage in the rubbish chute of one of the buildings, he said in a statement Sunday (July 16).

He said the baby's body has been sent for post-mortem at the Lahad Datu Hospital.

ACP Rohan said that police were investigating the case under Section 318 for concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body.

He said the offence provides for a jail term not exceeding two years, or a fine, or both if convicted in court.

He said police were investigating the case and trying to track the people involved in disposing of the baby.

"Anyone with any information related to the case is urged to contact Lahad Datu police hotline [phone] or the investigating officer Insp Sophia Thomas Rafter at 013-939 2505.