The Social Welfare Department (JKM) is seeking the biological mother or relatives of a baby girl who was found abandoned at the grounds of Masjid Al-Jamhuriah in Kuala Besut on July 28.
Besut District Welfare Officer Mohd Fadzli Ismail said efforts were being made to locate the baby’s family to facilitate her future placement after the temporary care order expires on Sept 13.
He said initial investigations found that the infant was discovered by a member of the public at about 5.25am on the day of the incident, before a police report was lodged at the Besut district police headquarters.
Following the discovery, the Besut Magistrate’s Court ordered the baby to be placed under JKM’s care in accordance with Section 25(2) of the Child Act 2001.
Mohd Fadzli said the temporary care order came into effect on Aug 10 for a period of one month, but authorities have yet to identify the child’s biological mother or any family members.
The department is now appealing to members of the public who may have information about the infant or her family to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Identifying the baby’s relatives is important to ensure appropriate arrangements can be made once the temporary care period ends, particularly in determining her longer-term welfare and placement.
Those with relevant information can contact Besut District Welfare Office Protector Fatin Hanani Ishak at 09-6956042 or 09-6953951.
