A young couple is under investigation for murder following the discovery of a newborn baby's remains, believed to have sustained injuries caused by a knife.
Port Dickson OCPD Superintendent Maslan Udin reported that the case came to light after an 18-year-old girl sought post-natal treatment at the district hospital on Tuesday (Jan 21). Suspicion arose when the girl could not account for her baby's whereabouts.
Acting on the hospital's report, police conducted a search and found the remains of a baby girl stuffed in a bag inside a room at a house in Port Dickson. "The victim had chest injuries, which we believe were inflicted with a sharp object," Supt Maslan said during a press briefing on Wednesday (Jan 22).
Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of the 18-year-old mother and her 21-year-old partner. Authorities also seized a knife believed to be the weapon used in the crime.
Supt Maslan stated that initial findings suggest the couple committed the act to hide the birth from their families. "Our preliminary investigation leads us to believe that the suspects did not want their families to know that the girl had given birth," he explained.
The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder. A remand order for the couple will be sought to facilitate further investigation.
The male suspect is reportedly unemployed, while the teenage mother works part-time at a fast-food outlet.
Source: TheStar
