'Baby Hatch': A Noble Effort To Save Abandoned Babies
Case 1: A newborn baby girl, with her umbilical cord and placenta still attached, was discovered at an Islamic education centre in Selama, Perak. This led to the arrest of a teenage boy and girl, aged 17 and 14 respectively, suspected of abandoning the infant.
Case 2: A week-old baby boy was found near the Paka beach in Terengganu. The unfortunate baby, left in a bag and abandoned in a dry drain, narrowly escaped being mauled by a dog before being rescued by a lorry driver.
Case 3: In Taman Daya, Johor Bahru, a newborn baby girl was found on the ninth-floor staircase of an apartment building on March 11.
These three cases of baby abandonment are just a few examples of the ongoing ‘nightmare’ that continues to affect society in this country. Such incidents are reported regularly, involving babies who are either left alive or found lifeless.
Despite numerous efforts by the authorities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and social groups, this issue remains unresolved. It demands more proactive and effective measures from the relevant authorities, to be implemented urgently.
STATISTICS ON BABY ABANDONMENT CASES
According to official statistics from the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), 75 cases of baby abandonment were reported from January to September 2024, compared to 96 cases during the same period in 2023. While this indicates a slight decline, it remains a concerning issue.
By state, Selangor recorded the highest number of cases in 2023 with 38, followed by Sabah (21) and Johor (14). From January to September 2024, Selangor again topped the list with 21 cases, followed by Johor (9) and Perak (8).
Legally, cases of baby abandonment in Malaysia are typically investigated under the Child Act 2001 and the Penal Code. The locations for baby abandonment in Malaysia are often accessible, concealed, or less crowded areas.
According to Deputy Director of the Sexual, Women and Children Investigations Division, Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department, SAC Siti Kamsiah Hassan, the most common locations include residential areas such as neighbours’ yards, back alleys, and playgrounds.
Hospitals, clinics, mosques, public toilets, markets, and trash bins are also frequent sites where babies are abandoned.
“Access to CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) in public areas and frequent patrols help identify high-risk locations,” she told Bernama in a written reply.
However, resolving this issue requires more than surveillance. It calls for a shift in societal attitudes toward out-of-wedlock pregnancies and the provision of more comprehensive support for mothers in crisis.
OUT-OF-WEDLOCK PREGNANCY: A BURDENED TABOO
According to SAC Siti Kamsiah, the stigma surrounding out-of-wedlock pregnancies is a root cause that drives some individuals to desperate and tragic actions.
“Stress, psychological pressure, and lack of emotional support can lead to irrational decisions, including abandoning a baby,” she said.
Another contributing factor is the widespread exposure to pornographic and sexual content on social media, particularly among teenagers who lack comprehensive sex education.
PDRM, she said, supports initiatives like baby hatch centres, providing a safer alternative for mothers in crisis.
However, Siti Kamsiah emphasised that these centres are not intended to condone out-of-wedlock pregnancies or promiscuity.
“Pregnant women outside of wedlock are advised to seek counselling from NGOs, the Social Welfare Department (JKM), or government hospitals as an early intervention to prevent baby abandonment and to help them return to a lifestyle that aligns with religious and cultural values,” she said.
She further stressed that baby abandonment cases are classified as serious crimes under the Penal Code, with perpetrators facing strict legal actions, including lengthy imprisonment or fines.
'BABY HATCH': A HUMANITARIAN SOLUTION
To address this issue, the baby hatch initiative is seen as a lifesaving solution, providing abandoned babies with a second chance by offering individuals in distress a safer and more humane option.
A baby hatch is a designated space designed for mothers to leave their babies confidentially and safely. Equipped with detection systems, it alerts staff immediately when a baby is placed inside. Rescued babies are then enrolled in adoption programmes or sent to suitable institutions.
KPJ Seremban Chief Executive Officer Nor Aidil Ikram Muhamad stressed that baby hatches should not be perceived as promoting immoral actions but rather as a life-saving measure.
“Our focus is on saving babies without prejudice. What’s most important is that these babies are not abandoned but placed here safely,” he said. Since 2013, KPJ Seremban’s baby hatch programme has saved 10 babies, including one diagnosed with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
According to Nor Aidil Ikram, the babies that are rescued will be sent to the hospital for health screenings before being handed over to JKM, which will collaborate with the OrphanCare Foundation to ensure that the babies are placed with suitable foster families.
OrphanCare’s General Manager Zakiah A. Rahman emphasised that addressing baby abandonment requires a comprehensive approach rather than merely punitive measures.
“Society must come together to provide support and assistance to those facing unplanned pregnancies to prevent more tragic outcomes,” she said.
Since its inception in 2008, OrphanCare has saved over 600 babies through its eight baby hatches across Malaysia. The NGO also provides specialised support programmes for mothers facing unplanned pregnancies, guiding them from early pregnancy stages through postpartum care.
This includes opening medical records, prenatal and postnatal care, and providing baby essentials until the child turns one.
“We always advise these mothers to be realistic and prioritise their child’s welfare,” Zakiah added.
EDUCATION AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT
Senior Counselling Lecturer at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Dr Farhana Sabri, views the baby hatch initiative, which was initially misunderstood, as now proving to be beneficial in saving the lives of innocent babies.
However, she said the baby hatch is only part of the solution, as the more important aspect is to raise public awareness to prevent immoral actions that lead to such situations.
Looking ahead, Dr Farhana emphasised the importance of foster families fully committing to educating and providing emotional support to these children so that they are never seen or labelled as ‘abandoned.’
Translated by Salbiah Said
