KOTA KINABALU: With two cases of baby dumping reported in Sabah last year, the Ministry of Community Development and Consumer Affairs considered the number high, and it is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Since 2008 to 2014, a total of 21 baby dumping cases were recorded in the state.
Its minister Datuk Jainab Ahmad Ayid said most of the baby dumping cases involved teenagers who made mistakes by having unprotected sex before marriage, and after getting pregnant, were too scared and ashamed to face reality.
Jainab stressed that teenagers who end up getting pregnant are usually ostracised by society, and live in fear of being punished by the religious authorities.
However, when it comes to the safety and health of the babies, the Baby Hatch programme is one of the options for these teenagers to give away their unwanted babies.
It is a better way, compared to leaving the babies in the middle of nowhere – dustbin, toilet bowl or simply in front of people’s home.
“KPJ Baby Hatch programme was introduced to me last year, and I fully support this initiative by KPJ Healthcare Berhad. I am proud and happy to announce that KPJ Baby Hatch programme is officially ready to receive unwanted babies.
“Anyone who wants to give away their newborn baby can always come to KPJ Baby Hatch located at the emergency unit of Damai Specialist Hospital without questions asked.
“This KPJ Baby Hatch will provide a safe alternative for individuals to place babies to avoid baby dumping. KPJ’s professionals will then subsequently hand over these babies to the relevant authorities to be cared for,” said Jainab at the launching of KPJ Baby Hatch at Damai Specialist Hospital.
She also further explained that her ministry, together with the other related government agencies will organize various programmes to raise awareness on the baby dumping issue, which will be targeting students and teenagers.
Jainab added that the awareness programme in secondary schools is among activities that have been planned for the whole year in combating the social problem.
KPJ Healthcare Berhad has currently established eight Baby Hatches in Peninsular Malaysia, one in Sarawak and the latest one is in Sabah, which was launched yesterday.
KPJ Healthcare Berhad Vice President (II) of Business Development, Abdol Wahab Baba said the KPJ Baby Hatch Programme is one of KPJ Group’s corporate social responsibility arising from concern for the fate and future of the unfortunate children.
Abdol Wahab, who also the Chairman of Damai Specialist Hospital said the programme is a noble cause towards the nation’s effort in saving lives of innocent babies.
“KPJ has received strong support from the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development for this programme. Its hospitals have also been working closely with each state’s Welfare Department and public hospitals since the programme’s inception in 2010.
“The KPJ Baby Hatch has received several cases since then, and we appreciate the commitment and support given by the State government to start this programme in Sabah. The partners in this programme among others are Sabah Welfare Department, Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 1, Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2 and the Sabah Police,” he said.
He hoped that the effort will achieve its objective to care for the wellbeing of the babies and above all, to reduce the incidence of baby dumping.
Also present at the event was Director of Sabah Women and Children Hospital, Dr Tan Bee Hwai.
He said most cases involving unwanted babies came from unplanned pregnancy.
Dr Tan stressed the importance of family planning and protected sex to avoid baby dumping.
“Sabah Women and Children Hospital will be working closely with this KPJ Baby Hatch Programme, where we will be giving supporting treatment to the babies. Our promotion team will also be raising awareness on the programme,” he added.