KUCHING: The Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development is closely monitoring two recent baby-related cases in Negeri Sembilan and Johor Bahru involving family care and baby hatch placement.
Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Social Welfare Department (JKM) is still gathering information and interviewing family members before concluding investigations into both incidents.
“JKM Negeri Sembilan will provide psychosocial support and counselling because the case involves family matters and the actual cause of the incident remains unclear,” she said
Nancy clarified this when met during the ‘Majlis Ibadah Korban Peringkat Parlimen Santubong’ at Rumah JKKK Kampung Bintawa today (May 28).
She said JKM Negeri Sembilan had contacted the affected family, but interviewing them was difficult as consent from family members was still required before proceedings continued.
Nancy said the ministry was also tracing the biological parents and relatives of a baby recently placed at a baby hatch facility in Johor Bahru.
According to her, JKM had obtained a court order allowing the baby to be temporarily placed under the care of a suitable and qualified guardian.
She explained authorities believed the baby was not irresponsibly abandoned because the infant was left with a name, showing the mother still felt responsible for the child.
“When the mother placed the baby at the baby hatch, it showed there was still a sense of responsibility and hope that the child would receive proper care,” she added.
Nancy said many baby hatch facilities are operated by private organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), with some receiving cooperation and financial assistance from JKM.
However, she stressed operators managing baby hatch services must act responsibly and genuinely aim to reduce social problems while helping mothers facing difficulties.
She also encouraged individuals experiencing hardship to seek guidance, counselling and assistance from JKM rather than handling crises without proper support systems.
