TAWAU: Police are tracking down a woman suspected of abandoning a baby in a bush behind some houses in Kg Jawa, near Jalan Guru and a secondary school, here, Tuesday.
Acting Tawau District Police Chief Supt Wilynton Enchana Watt said investigations are currently focused on the infant’s biological mother and the individual responsible for the incident.
“We are also attempting to locate witnesses and obtain closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from around the area where the baby was found, including checking records with hospitals and health clinics,” he said.
Wilynton was commenting on a viral video showing a naked infant being carried away from bushes by two police officers using a batik sarong.
He said police took action after receiving two reports, following the discovery of the baby by a man at 6am at the location, adding the baby was sent to Tawau Hospital for a medical examination.
According to him, an investigation paper has been opened under Section 317 of the Penal Code (Act 574), which pertains to the exposure and abandonment of a child under the age of 12 by a parent or guardian.
Wilynton urged anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the investigation by contacting investigating officer, Insp. Robiatul Adawiyah Japri, at 016-918 9402, or by visiting the nearest police station.
