Police are searching for a woman believed to be connected to the abandonment of a newborn baby who was found in bushes behind a row of houses in Kampung Jawa, Tawau, on Tuesday morning.
Acting Tawau District Police Chief Superintendent Wilynton Enchana Watt said investigations are currently focused on identifying the infant’s biological mother as well as the individual responsible for abandoning the baby.
As part of the investigation, police are tracking down potential witnesses, reviewing closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage from the surrounding area and checking records with nearby hospitals and health clinics.
The case gained widespread attention after a video circulated on social media showing two police officers rescuing the naked infant from the bushes using a batik sarong to carry the baby safely away.
Police said they received two reports after a member of the public discovered the newborn at around 6am behind houses near Jalan Guru and a secondary school in Kampung Jawa.
The baby was taken to Tawau Hospital for a medical examination and is reported to be receiving the necessary care.
Authorities have opened an investigation under Section 317 of the Penal Code, which deals with the exposure and abandonment of a child under the age of 12 by a parent or guardian.
Police have urged anyone with information about the incident or the identity of those involved to come forward to assist with the investigation by contacting the investigating officer or visiting the nearest police station.
