Supportive environment key to prevent baby dumping, says expert

SHAH ALAM - In Malaysia, baby dumping is an ongoing, never-ending, and dangerous social problem, with more cases being reported yearly.

To prevent this issue, Yayasan Chow Kit founder Datuk Dr Hartini Zainudin believes that Malaysia should have a supportive environment.

"With an increase in cases reported each year. In 2020, there were 102 cases reported, a significant increase from 84 cases in 2019.

"The reasons for baby dumping range from unwed pregnancies, a lack of access to contraception, social and economic pressures, and a lack of support for young mothers.

"All of the above plus no agreed widespread sex education awareness and safe space for young people and those needing help or have questions, to access," Hartini told Sinar Daily.

She further added that the programmes for awareness and prevention work to make people aware of the problem and offer them help and information if they are in danger of engaging in baby dumping.

These initiatives offer counselling services, seminars on sexual education, and assistance to adolescent girls who get pregnant.

Hartini also explained that due to the societal stigma associated with childbirth outside of marriage, many young mothers feel ashamed and unsupported, which contributes to the high frequency of baby-dumping incidents.

"Without proper care and support, young mothers may feel hopeless and in danger of harming themselves and their babies.

"The community can help by providing access to counselling and support services for pregnant teenagers and young mothers," she explained.

In fact, schools and colleges can help by offering thorough sexual education, widespread access to contraception, and welcoming environments for pregnant students.

"It is critical to foster an environment free from prejudice and stigma that encourages people to ask for support and assistance.

"Overall, it is essential to provide sufficient social support, accurate information about contraception and planned parenthood to prevent baby dumping from occurring," she stressed.

Earlier, a baby girl was found in a plastic bag in the back of a four-wheel-drive vehicle in Kampung Susulat Sook, last month(April 25).

The healthy baby, still attached to her umbilical cord, was found at about 12.30 pm by the public before a police report was made.

Keningau District Police Chief Deputy Superintendent Nor Rafidah Kasim said that the police had received a report regarding the incident at 4.41pm.

"The baby appeared to still have an umbilical cord attached and was found in the back of a Mazda four-wheel drive vehicle.

"The complainant then brought the baby inside the house before being taken to the Sook Health Clinic for further treatment," he said when contacted by Sinar on Friday (April 28).