JOHOR BARU: A 22-year-old woman has been arrested for allegedly causing the death of her newborn after throwing the baby from the 10th floor of a flat.
Johor acting police chief Deputy Comm Hoo Chuan Huat said the suspect, who is the baby girl’s biological mother, was arrested at about noon on Tuesday (June 2) at the compound of Hospital Sultanah Aminah.
“Investigations showed that the newborn baby was still alive when she was allegedly thrown from the 10th floor, resulting in her death,” he said in a statement.
DCP Hoo said the suspect has no prior criminal record and that statements had been recorded from several witnesses.
He added that police first received a report at about 2.40pm on May 2 regarding the discovery of the baby girl’s body in the parking area of a flat in Johor Baru.
The investigation paper was later referred to the Johor prosecution office, which instructed that the woman be charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
He said the suspect will be charged at the Johor Baru Sessions’ Court on Wednesday (June 3).
The offence is punishable with a jail term of up to 30 years and may also be fined.
Those suffering from problems can reach out to: the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999); Jakim's Family, Social and Community care centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214); and Befrienders by visiting www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours or call 03-7627 2929.
Alternatively, Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia also offers a 24-hour crisis helpline at 1-800-180-066 and WhatsApp support line at 03-9765 6088 manned by trained volunteers.
