Woman Arrested After Allegedly Throwing Newborn from 10th Floor of JB Flat

JOHOR BARU: A 22-year-old woman has been arrested after allegedly causing the death of her newborn baby by throwing the infant from the 10th floor of a flat, police said.

Johor acting police chief Deputy Commissioner Hoo Chuan Huat said the suspect, who is the baby girl’s biological mother, was arrested at about noon on Tuesday at the compound of Hospital Sultanah Aminah.

Investigations found that the newborn was still alive at the time she was allegedly thrown from the building, resulting in fatal injuries, he said in a statement.

DCP Hoo added that the suspect has no prior criminal record and that police have recorded statements from several witnesses as part of the investigation.

Police first received a report at about 2.40pm on May 2 regarding the discovery of the baby girl’s body in the parking area of a flat in Johor Baru.

The investigation paper was later referred to the Johor prosecution office, which directed that the woman be charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code for culpable homicide not amounting to murder.

She is expected to be charged at the Johor Baru Sessions Court on Wednesday (June 3). If convicted, the offence carries a jail term of up to 30 years and may also include a fine.

Authorities have also reminded the public that those facing emotional or mental distress can seek help from available support services, including the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 / 014-322 3392), Talian Kasih (15999 / WhatsApp 019-261 5999), JAKIM Family, Social and Community Care Centre (WhatsApp 0111-959 8214), Befrienders Malaysia (www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia or 03-7627 2929), and the Mental Illness Awareness and Support Association Malaysia crisis helplines.