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SHAH ALAM – Nearly two weeks after the discovery of a newborn baby in Kluang, police have confirmed that a 19-year-old college student will be charged with murder.
The case drew widespread attention after investigators revealed that the baby was one of a pair of twins, while the woman's boyfriend was also arrested during the investigation.
Here's a timeline of what has happened so far.
July 29: A student is taken to hospital
The case first came to light when a 19-year-old college student was brought to Hospital Enche Besar Hajjah Kalsom (HEBHK) in Kluang after complaining that she was unwell.
According to police, she was taken to the hospital by a lecturer or college staff member.
During medical examinations, doctors discovered that she had recently given birth.
Further checks also revealed that she was still carrying another baby.
The second child, identified as the newborn's twin, was later delivered safely at the hospital.
A newborn is discovered at the student's accommodation
While investigations were underway, police searched a house in Taman Setia Mutiara, Kluang, which had been used as student accommodation.
There, authorities discovered the body of a newborn baby girl.
The infant was found inside a toilet bowl.
The discovery prompted police to launch a murder investigation.
Police arrest the couple
Police later arrested the 19-year-old student and her boyfriend, who is also a college student aged 19, to assist with investigations.
The investigation was initially conducted under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which covers murder, and Section 315 of the Penal Code, involving acts intended to prevent a child from being born alive or causing its death after birth.
At the time, the woman remained in hospital receiving treatment following childbirth, while the man was remanded to assist investigators.
Post-mortem reveals the baby's cause of death
A post-mortem carried out by forensic specialists at HEBHK found that the newborn had died from multiple stab wounds to the chest, Johor police later confirmed.
Investigators also seized a 24-centimetre knife believed to be linked to the incident, along with clothing bearing suspected blood stains.
Police said forensic examinations formed part of the evidence gathered during the investigation.
Police reveal more details during the investigation
Johor police later disclosed that the deceased baby and the surviving newborn were twins.
Investigators also said the babies were allegedly conceived through an out-of-wedlock relationship involving the two college students.
During questioning, police said the male student admitted giving his girlfriend RM450, allegedly to terminate the pregnancy.
Authorities stressed that investigations continued to determine the circumstances surrounding the baby's death.
The boyfriend's remand is extended
The male student was initially remanded for seven days before the remand order was extended by another day to allow investigators to complete their probe.
Meanwhile, the female student remained under medical care while police finalised investigation papers.
After completing investigations, police referred the case to the Johor State Legal Adviser's Office.
The investigation papers were subsequently reviewed by the Deputy Public Prosecutor, who later directed that charges be filed.
The latest development: Murder charge to be filed
Kluang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin Mohd Noh confirmed that the 19-year-old woman will be charged at the Kluang Magistrate's Court.
She is expected to face a charge under Section 302 of the Penal Code for allegedly murdering her newborn baby.
If convicted, the offence carries the death penalty or imprisonment of between 30 and 40 years, together with caning where applicable under Malaysia's current legal framework.
Police also confirmed that the woman's 19-year-old boyfriend has been released and is expected to become a prosecution witness during the trial.
What happens next?
The case is scheduled to be mentioned before the Kluang Magistrate's Court, where the charge against the woman is expected to be formally read.
As the offence falls under the jurisdiction of the High Court, the Magistrate's Court will not conduct the trial itself. Instead, the proceedings are expected to focus on the formal charge before the case is transferred to the High Court for trial.
