KUCHING: Care arrangements for the newborn boy found partially buried near a rented house in Jalan Airport, Kapit, have yet to be finalised as he remains hospitalised.
Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the baby was safe and had been transferred from Kapit Hospital to Sibu Hospital for specialist treatment, while Social Welfare Department (JKM) child protectors were working with his maternal family and counsellors to assess the situation and identify the support needed.
“We have yet to receive a court order to identify a fit and proper person to care for him, as his maternal family is still there.
“We also have to be very careful about whom the baby will be entrusted to,” she said when met by reporters after officiating at the Santuni Kasih KPWKM 2026 programme at Plaza Merdeka here today (Oct 31).
Nancy said no decision had been made on handing the baby over to his family, as he remained hospitalised and discussions with the family were ongoing.
She stressed the importance of counsellors in providing emotional support to family members who could be experiencing distress following the incident.
On suggestions that the mother could have experienced postpartum depression, Nancy said this had not been established and required assessment by medical professionals.
She added that the relevant authorities were still investigating the case and that no conclusions should be drawn beyond the information available.
Nancy also highlighted MamaCare under the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN), whose trained practitioners could provide postnatal care and support alongside medical services.
“I think we need to get confirmation from a doctor first on whether a person is actually experiencing postpartum depression,” she said.
According to a report, the newborn was found alive, partially buried near a rented house in Jalan Airport, Kapit, on Oct 27 after police searching the area heard his cries.
He was initially reported to be in critical condition and was taken to Kapit Hospital before being transferred to Sibu Hospital for further treatment.
Police are investigating the case under Section 317 of the Penal Code concerning the exposure or abandonment of a child under 12 by a parent or person responsible for the child’s care.
