A NEWBORN baby boy was miraculously found alive behind a house in Kampung Raja, Besut, yesterday afternoon, leading to a police investigation that uncovered a case of alleged incestuous relations involving a teenage mother.
The Acting Besut District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Md Sani Md Saleh, confirmed that the Besut District Police Headquarters (IPD) received an emergency call at 2.54 pm regarding the discovery of the infant, believed to be newly born.
Initial investigations revealed that a 16-year-old girl had allegedly engaged in incestuous intercourse with a family member, resulting in the birth of the child without the knowledge of anyone else. The suspect is believed to have discarded the baby before the infant was discovered by the occupants of the house.
Deputy Superintendent Md Sani stated in a media release today: "The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code and Section 376B of the Penal Code."
He further explained the relevant sections: "Section 317 of the Penal Code concerns the abandonment of a child by the mother with the intention of disposing of the baby, which upon conviction can lead to imprisonment for a term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both."
Regarding the more severe charge, he added: "Section 376B of the Penal Code pertains to sexual intercourse between a female and male who are forbidden to marry by religious law. If convicted, the penalty can be imprisonment for a term of not less than six years and not more than 20 years, and also whipping."
The court has granted a seven-day remand order, beginning today, for a male individual—who is the brother of the baby's mother—to assist with the investigation. The teenage girl is currently receiving treatment at the hospital. - December 15, 2025