KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry, through its Private Medical Practice Control Section (CKAPS), has begun an investigation into claims that a private hospital stored a newborn's body in a freezer for two weeks.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad advised the public to remain calm and wait for the facts before making any presumptions on the case.
He said the relevant authorities have already been mobilised to conduct an investigation.
"I hope all parties will remain calm and allow the relevant authorities, including CKAPS, to conduct the investigation.
"I will wait for the full findings from all authorities conducting the investigation. CKAPS has also gone down to the ground to engage with the parties involved.
"Therefore, I urge everyone to act with compassion, kindness, and empathy," he said at a press conference in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He also expressed his condolences to the family involved.
The issue came to light after the founder of a non-governmental organisation claimed that the baby's remains were prevented from leaving the hospital after the father couldn't afford to pay the bill.
The baby was then placed in the freezer for two weeks until the father managed to pay the bill.
According to the founder, the baby was buried in the Muslim cemetery in Selat Klang on Dec 9.
The hospital involved, Hospital Bersalin Razif (HBR), in a statement today, said it did not prevent the baby from being released for burial.
It said its doctors informed the baby's father to make burial arrangements the following day.
The hospital also said the mother was told she could bury the baby before settling the bill.
HBR claimed that the mother was admitted on humanitarian grounds due to severe labour pain, despite being unbooked, unscreened, and lacking antenatal care.