The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) have arrested a 19-year-old local man in connection with the murder of a newborn baby girl who was found dead inside a student hostel in Taman Setia Indah, Kluang, on Wednesday (28 July).
Johor Police Chief Datuk CP Dato’ Ab Rahman Arsad said the infant’s body was discovered at around 1.59 PM after police received a report from members of the public.
PDRM confirms baby’s cause of death
According to the police, the discovery was made by a teacher who had gone to the house to conduct a welfare check after being informed that a 19-year-old female student was unwell. During the visit, it was discovered that the student had given birth inside the house.
Police said the baby girl was found with multiple stab wounds, and investigators also recovered a 24cm knife and blood-stained clothing believed to be linked to the incident.
The student was later taken to hospital, where medical personnel discovered she was carrying another baby.
She subsequently gave birth to the second baby girl and remains under medical care.
Further investigations revealed that the babies were conceived through a relationship between the student and her 19-year-old boyfriend.
A post-mortem conducted at Hospital Enche’ Besar Hajjah Khalsom in Kluang confirmed that the baby’s cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the chest.
Suspect paid his girlfriend RM450 to abort the babies
Officers from the Kluang District Police Headquarters arrested the male suspect at about 10.30 PM on the same day. Police said the suspect has no prior criminal record and tested negative for drugs, according to an official statement.
During questioning, he admitted to giving his girlfriend RM450 to abort the babies.
The case is being investigated under:
- Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder: up to 40 years in prison if found guilty, with 12 strokes of caning if not the death penalty
- Section 315 of the Penal Code for acts committed with the intent of preventing a child from being born alive or causing it to die after birth: up to 10 years in jail with a fine
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The suspect has been remanded for seven days, from 30 July until 5 August, to facilitate investigations.
Police have urged the public to refrain from speculating or circulating unverified information that could interfere with the ongoing investigation.
Also read: PDRM: M’sian Mother & 2 Young Daughters Found Dead in Bedroom of Ipoh Home
