BESUT: The discovery of a baby boy left behind a house in Kampung Alor Lintang, Kampung Raja, here on Sunday (Dec 14) has revealed a case of incest involving a teenage girl and her younger brother, Sinar Harian reports.
Acting Besut OCPD Deputy Supt Md Sani Md Saleh told the Malay language daily said that investigations found the baby was the result of an illicit relationship involving the 16-year-old girl and was born in secret.
"Shortly after birth, the baby was reportedly abandoned by the suspect before being found by a resident," he said in a statement on Monday (Dec 15).
He added that the police have remanded a 14-year-old boy for seven days starting Monday to assist in the investigation.
"The court has allowed the boy to be detained for a thorough investigation into the case.
"This case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for child abandonment, which carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison.
"Investigations are also being conducted under Section 376B of the Penal Code for incest, which involves sexual relations between individuals prohibited from marrying under religious law.
"This section carries a severe prison sentence of no less than six years and no more than 20 years, along with whipping," he stated.
He emphasised that abandoning a baby is an inhumane act, contrary to religious law, and clearly denies a baby's right to live.
Therefore, he urged the public not to spread false or incorrect information regarding the case.
"The public is advised to be prudent and responsible, refraining from making any statements that could interfere with the investigation or spread inaccurate information on social media about the case," he said.
On Sunday, the discovery of the baby went viral on social media, and it is understood that the baby has been taken to Besut Hospital for treatment and further action.
