KUALA LUMPUR: The police are checking with the Islamic Religious Department to verify the marriage certificate of the parents of a baby boy that was reported to have been stored in the freezer of a private hospital in Klang.
Selangor police chief Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said that they are seeking confirmation of the couple's marriage from the Islamic Religious Department to assist in their inquiries.
"To date, five individuals have had their statements recorded, including the parents, two doctors, and recently, a friend of the couple who took the woman to the hospital," he said.
Earlier reports revealed that the baby's father expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the hospital's decision to allegedly store his infant son's body in a freezer for 16 days.
The story went viral after an activist brought it to light on Facebook.
The factory worker revealed that his firstborn child, who was born with severe birth defects — including the absence of one eye, a nose, and an anus — passed away just minutes after birth.
However, he claimed the hospital refused to release the body until the treatment bill was paid.
Concerns have also arisen over a Facebook post from an organisation providing affordable funeral services to the underprivileged, which shared sensitive footage of the baby's funeral arrangements.
Authorities have reminded those involved to refrain from posting such videos, including the bathing of the deceased, on social media.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Na'im Mokhtar condemned this practice, stressing that it could bring shame to the deceased and their family.
He also urged all involved to consult state Islamic authorities regarding the management of the deceased.
"In general, the state Islamic authorities, namely the State Islamic Religious Departments, already have guidelines for funeral management.
"All parties are requested to always refer to the Islamic authorities regarding funeral management to ensure everything is carried out properly and perfectly," he said.
He requested that the public remain calm as the investigation continues, involving the police, health ministry, and state Islamic authorities.