There have been many cases in Malaysia of mothers abandoning their newborn babies, with many not realising the long-term consequences this can have on the child’s future.
What many don’t realise is that even in difficult situations, a single decision can instantly shape a child’s entire future, potentially leaving them stateless.
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JPN encourages mothers to register their child’s birth
The National Registration Department (JPN) has addressed this issue, urging parents not to abandon their infants recklessly. They emphasised the vital importance of registering a child’s birth with JPN, noting that every child possesses rights protected by law.
Taking to Threads, JPN stressed that babies should never be left in unsafe locations. Instead, parents are encouraged to follow the legal process:
- Register the birth with the National Registration Department (Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara) so the child is recognised as a citizen and has legal rights
- If you are unable to raise the child, there are legal processes such as foster care or adoption. These should be done properly, with clear documentation and a statutory declaration
“Every child has the right to live, be protected, and be given a chance to build a future. Don’t let a difficult beginning become the end of their life story,” they wrote.
Guidance for mothers in crisis
In the comments section, JPN responded to a woman who is seven months pregnant and seeking a safe place for her child born out of wedlock.
“I am 7 months pregnant, and I was thinking of leaving the baby at a place where it can be safely left after birth. By the way, I am not married yet, and the man does not want to take responsibility,” she wrote.
JPN responded:
“Register the child’s birth as a single mother so the child can obtain the rights of a citizen. Do not abandon the child in public places. If someone wishes to adopt the child, after obtaining the birth certificate, a statutory declaration can be made stating that the child is being handed over to them.”
“Baby hatches offer a safer alternative for mothers in crisis”
Malaysia is among the countries that have adopted the “baby hatch” concept, dedicated protection centres where mothers can safely leave infants. This ensures the children are cared for and can grow up in a safe environment.
According to BERNAMA, Assistant Director of the Sexual, Women and Children Investigation Division, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Bukit Aman, SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan stressed that abandoning babies in unsafe places is a serious offence under the Penal Code.
She added that strict legal action can be taken against offenders, including long prison sentences or fines.
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Support for unplanned pregnancies
The NGO OrphanCare also runs a comprehensive support programme for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies. They offer guidance from the early stages, including assistance with:
- Opening a “pink book” (maternal health record)
- Prenatal and postnatal care
- Providing baby essentials until the child reaches one year of age
Here is a list of baby hatch locations in Malaysia:
- Yayasan OrphanCare (HQ) Petaling Jaya, Selangor
- Yayasan OrphanCare Johor Bahru
- Yayasan OrphanCare Sungai Petani
- Hospital Pakar An-Nur (ANSH)
- Hospital Pakar KPJ Damansara, Petaling Jaya
- Hospital Pakar KPJ Tawakal, Kuala Lumpur
- Hospital Pakar KPJ Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
- Hospital Pakar KPJ Ipoh, Ipoh
- Hospital Pakar KPJ Perdana, Kota Bahru
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!
Also read: Body of Infant Found Inside Toilet Bowl at Selangor Gas Station, PDRM On the Hunt for Suspects
