MELAKA – A surau worshipper was left in shock after discovering a baby boy believed to be a newborn, wrapped in a napkin and placed in a box at a bus shelter near Surau Batu 5, Alai, Kandang, here on Friday night.
The incident occurred at about 9.20pm when the worshipper, who had just finished prayers, noticed the box on the shelter’s seat. Upon opening it, he was stunned to find a crying infant inside.
He immediately alerted the Kandang Police Station, which then dispatched a team to the scene.
According to a source, the baby was found alive and in stable condition. “The examination found that the baby, weighing about 2.7 kilograms, still had its umbilical cord attached. He is estimated to be around seven days old and showed no signs of injury,” the source said.
An ambulance was called to the location and arrived about 25 minutes later. Medical officers conducted an initial health check before transferring the baby to Melaka Hospital for further treatment.
Officers from the Social Welfare Department (JKM) also arrived to assist in the case, which has since been handed over to the Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division (D11) of the Melaka Police Contingent Headquarters for further investigation.
Melaka Police Chief, Deputy Commissioner Datuk Dzulkhairi Mukhtar, confirmed the discovery and said that the case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for concealing birth.
“This is a serious matter and we urge members of the public not to abandon their babies in such a manner. There are legal and safe options available for those facing difficulties,” he said.
The case has sparked concern among the local community, with many urging parents in distress to seek help from authorities, hospitals, or welfare bodies instead of resorting to dangerous actions that could risk a child’s life.