MELAKA: Congregants at the Asy Shakirin Mosque in Pasir Puteh, Bachang here were stunned to discover a dead newborn in the women’s prayer section, early today.
The male infant, which was wrapped in white cloth, was initially mistaken for a bundle of women’s prayer shrouds by congregants who had arrived at the mosque for the Subuh prayer at 5.30am.
“After the prayer, the other women and I informed the men present about the bundle.
“They were shocked when they found a dead male infant in the bundle and informed the police,’’ worshipper Zainon Baba, 61, told Bernama.
The newborn, whose umbilical cord was still attached, bore traces of blood on its nose and blackish bruises on its face.
It is believed that the infant had been dead for two hours when it was uncovered at 5.40am, as rigor mortis had not yet set in.
“The Malim police station received a call on the find at 6.45am.
“Further investigation revealed that the mosque has closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. This will help us in investigating the case,” said Melaka Tengah police chief Assistant Commissioner Afzanizar Ahmad.
Meanwhile, a woman suspected of being the baby’s mother was arrested at her home at Lorong Haji Nyonya, Kampung Pasir Puteh at 2pm today, Berita Harian reported.
Afzanizar added that the case is being investigated under Section 318 of the Penal Code.