GEORGE TOWN: "Tolong Jaga Budak Ini." (Please look after this child).
These words were scribbled on a piece of paper placed next to a newborn, with his umbilical cord still attached, who was abandoned in front of the Penang Family Health Development Association office in Jelutong here yesterday.
Northeast district police chief Assistant Commissioner Soffian Santong said the newborn, wrapped in a green towel, was discovered by a man who had gone to the association at about 7.35pm yesterday, before lodging a report.
He said the 43-year-old man from Sungai Bakap was visiting his former colleagues at the association.
"He arrived at about 3pm and sat there until 6pm before going out in search of food. He then returned to the association again at about 7.20pm before going out for a puff at about 7.40pm.
"When he opened the glass door, he saw something wrapped in a green towel near the front door.
"He then brought the baby to his friends in the office. A woman there clothed the baby before feeding him with formula milk. It was then they realised it was a boy, with his umbilical cord still attached," he said today.
Soffian said the newborn was taken to the Penang Hospital for further observation and treatment as he appeared to have jaundice.
"We could not find a perfect finger print on the note left with the baby.
"There was closed circuit television (CCTV) camera at the site but was not functioning. However, we believe another CCTV near a Chinese temple can shed some light into our investigation but there was no one around.
"The case is being probed under Section 31 of the Penal Code," he added.
Those with information about the incident can contact the investigating officer at 0194735105 or through the district police headquarters' official WhatsApp at 0195641822 or any of the nearest police station.