Newborn baby found abandoned near surau in Johor Bahru as police launch search

POLICE in Johor Bahru are searching for the individual believed to have concealed a birth and abandoned a newborn baby in a car park at a surau in Taman Universiti, Skudai.

Johor Bahru Utara district police chief Assistant Commissioner Radin Ramlan Radin Taha said the infant was discovered at approximately 7.33pm on Wednesday by members of the congregation, who alerted authorities before the baby was taken to Hospital Sultanah Aminah for treatment.

“The baby is currently in good health. Police believe the infant had just been born when found by members of the congregation, as the umbilical cord was still attached and the baby was wrapped in a towel.

“This case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both,” he said.

Police have urged members of the public with any information to come forward to assist in the investigation, including contacting the investigating officer or the Johor Bahru Utara district police headquarters hotline, or reporting to the nearest police station. - April 14, 2026