Asia-Pacific

Baby dumpers may be charged for murder in Malaysia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-08-16 14:29

KUALA LUMPUR -- The Malaysian police will investigate baby abandoning cases under the sections of murder or attempt murder of the Malaysian Penal Code due to rising baby dumping cases in the country.

Bakri Zinin, Federal Criminal Investigation Department chief of Malaysia, made this remark here on Monday at a press conference.

According to Bakri, section 302 (murder) or section 307 ( attempt murder) of the Malaysian Penal Code will be deployed to investigate the cases, depending on whether the baby victim is alive or dead.

Related readings:  Thailand, Malaysia to sign agreement for border co-op  China's tourist arrivals in Malaysia rise 28%  Malaysia sees sharp rise in drug-related criminals in 2010  Malaysia raid for stolen cars nets protected birds

However, the Attorney-General Chamber of Malaysia will have the ultimate say if the individual will be charged under such section.

Once convicted under section 302, the individual will face the mandatory death penalty, while section 307 carries 10 to 20 years jail and fine.

Bakri said from 2005 to August 16, 2010, a total of 472 baby abandoning cases were reported to the Malaysian police.

Of the victims, Bakri said 214 were still alive.

Bakri said in 2009, the Malaysian police had received 79 reports on baby dumping cases but in less than nine months this year, the number of cases reported had reached 65.

Previously, the Malaysian police investigated baby dumping cases under Section 318 of the Malaysian Penal Code for concealment of birth by hiding a dead body that carries two years jail, fine or both upon conviction.

Bakri said there were 21 mothers being investigated under Section 307 of the Malaysian Penal Code.