Police have arrested six Malaysians, including a woman who had just given birth, over allegations that another woman’s identity documents were used to register the birth at a private hospital here last Friday.
Kedah police chief Datuk Adzli Abu Shah said the 24-year-old woman was detained shortly after delivering a baby boy. Five other suspects, comprising three women and two men aged between 27 and 50, were also arrested.
He said the arrests were made as part of an investigation under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act (ATIPSOM).
“Initial investigations found that the suspected modus operandi involved unmarried pregnant women using another woman’s identity to register for antenatal examinations, treatment and delivery at a private maternity centre, as well as for registration with the National Registration Department (JPN).
“In this case, one of the six suspects allegedly approached the woman before she gave birth. The group then arranged for her to deliver at a private hospital, covering hospital costs of about RM9,000 and providing her with RM8,000 in pocket money,” he told reporters at the Kulim district police headquarters today.
The arrests also involved a 27-year-old woman whose name was allegedly used for the registration, together with her 41-year-old husband. The couple had reportedly been married for five years but had yet to have children.
Police seized four mobile phones, two hospital identification bands, an identity card, an appointment card, three maternity centre receipts, a ward admission form and a Proton Saga during the investigation.
All six suspects have been remanded for 11 days to facilitate investigations under Section 14 of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants Act 2007 (Act 670). If convicted, the offence carries life imprisonment or a jail term of at least five years, as well as whipping.
Police are also investigating the case under Section 48 of the Child Act 2001, concerning the unlawful transfer of possession of a child.
The baby has been placed at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital and is currently under the care of the Social Welfare Department.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged arrangement and the identities used during the registration and delivery process.
Members of the public with information are urged to contact investigating officer Assistant Superintendent Azmirul Abdul Aziz at 019-4446521 or their nearest police station.
