KINABATANGAN: Police are investigating the discovery of a newborn baby boy who was found abandoned at an oil palm plantation here on Saturday (Jan 17) night.
Kinabatangan district police chief Supt Ravi Duraisamy said police received a report at about 7.27pm on Saturday regarding the discovery at Ladang Karangan Agriculture Sdn Bhd.
A plantation worker came across the baby while at work, and informed the management before bringing the infant to the plantation clinic for initial treatment.
The baby was later sent to Hospital Kinabatangan for further treatment.
"Initial examinations found that the baby boy was believed to be between three and five days old, weighing about 2.4kg, and in stable condition," he said in a statement on Sunday (Jan 18).
The infant was found to be physically complete and did not suffer any injuries.
He will be referred to the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan for further monitoring and follow-up action by the welfare authorities.
Ravi said preliminary investigations found that there were no CCTV cameras at the location, and no witnesses have come forward so far.
The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for concealing birth with intent to abandon a baby, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ jail, a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Police are appealing to members of the public with information related to the case to come forward to assist in the investigation.
"Public members with related information are asked to contact the police at 089-561890 or contact investigating officer Insp Nur Syafiqah Dahon at 014-5573735," he said.
