Bandar Seri Begawan - A baby girl, believed to be three to four days old, was found abandoned but still breathing Monday night at a dumpster near an electrical substation of RIPAS Hospital.
According to Royal Brunei Police Force, they received a call at 9.23pm Monday about the baby found in a box on top of the dumpster.
Based on the statement taken from the witnesses, a husband and wife duo, the couple was heading back to their car parked near the dumpster when they heard cries of a baby. Curious to know where the sound came from, the couple soon traced the crying sound of the baby and found a cardboard box in which they found the baby wrapped in a white towel. The baby was dressed in an amber red shirt and pant.
After the shocking discovery the couple contacted the Royal Brunei Police Force and the baby was brought to the Accident and Emergency unit in RIPAS Hospital for further examination.
After a medical check was conducted, the baby girl was found to be active but was hungry. The baby weighs about 2.655kg and is currently at the SCBU for further observation.
The Royal Brunei Police Force is calling on the public, who may have information to help with the investigation, to come forward by contacting the police hotline 993 or go to the nearest police station or contact the Women and Child Abuse Investigation Unit, Criminal Investigation Department at 2232007 extension 215, 2nd floor, Block 2C, Jln Ong sum Ping.
The Royal Brunei Police Force conveyed their appreciation to the couple who found the baby and reported the incident to them.
According to 2011 statistics (January to October), there were two cases of babies being abandoned.
Under Section 317 of the Penal Code, those found guilty of abandoning babies under the age of 12 will face imprisonment of not more than seven years or a fine or both.
--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin