Police have arrested a man suspected of abusing his five-month-old baby boy, who was found with bruises on his body while receiving treatment at Hospital Lawas on Sunday.
The case came to light after medical officers raised concerns that the infant’s injuries were not consistent with accidental causes, prompting a police report to be lodged.
Lawas District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Liong Tindan, said the incident occurred at around 10.45pm when the baby was brought to the hospital by his mother for symptoms of cough and flu.
However, a routine examination revealed multiple bruises on different parts of the infant’s body, raising suspicion of possible abuse.
Following the report, police launched an immediate investigation and detained a 28-year-old man, believed to be the baby’s father, at his residence to assist in the probe.
Authorities also confirmed that initial drug screening tests on the suspect returned positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
The baby is currently receiving further medical treatment at the hospital, where doctors are closely monitoring his condition.
The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 for alleged child abuse, as well as Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
