Malaysia

Four-month-old infant dies at Seberang Jaya hospital childcare centre, family alleges abuse

Parents demand justice as police investigates possible mistreatment at hospital-based daycare

Updated 4 months ago · Published on 09 Mar 2026 6:12PM

Four-month-old infant dies at Seberang Jaya hospital childcare centre, family alleges abuse
Uncle claims he had obtained CCTV footage from the centre, which he believes may show evidence of abuse or bullying - March 9, 2026

SEBERANG Jaya authorities are investigating the death of a four-month-old boy who was found unresponsive at a childcare centre located within the grounds of Hospital Seberang Jaya.

The infant, identified as Hayl Haarith Mohd Syafaeez, was rushed to the hospital’s emergency department at around 4 a.m. today, following his overnight stay at the centre.

His family has called for a thorough investigation, alleging that abuse may have played a role in the boy’s death.

The child’s mother, Ummu Habibah Wahab, 30, a nurse, was on a night shift when the incident occurred.

Doctors performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for approximately an hour, but were unable to save him.

Ahmad Lutfihadi Wahab, the infant’s uncle, said he was informed by his sister that her son’s face had turned blue.

"My sister called and told us that her child had turned blue and was unresponsive. We rushed to the Emergency Department, but he had already passed away during CPR," Lutfihadi told reporters.

Lutfihadi claimed he had obtained CCTV footage from the centre, which he believes may show evidence of abuse or bullying.

"I have therefore filed a police report, urging a full investigation and that stern action be taken," he said.

He added that the 24-hour childcare centre is monitored by supervisors, yet despite this, the infant was admitted to the emergency room unconscious.

The child was Ummu Habibah’s firstborn and had only recently started attending the facility after she returned to work following her confinement period.

"We thought he would be safe because the centre is located within the hospital. We never expected something like this to happen to our family," Lutfihadi said, noting that he frequently dropped off and collected his nephew without noticing any injuries.

He added, however, that other parents had previously raised concerns about children being slapped at the centre.

The uncle also revealed the family had purchased new clothes for the baby to wear for the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations.

"I had planned to celebrate the festival with my sister and nephew. Now, all that remains are his clothes," he said.

He emphasised that the family will not forgive those responsible and demanded that authorities take appropriate action.

"This involves a death; those accountable cannot simply be allowed to go free," he said.

The infant’s body is scheduled to be buried in Terengganu, beside his grandmother’s grave.

Police were observed at the childcare centre today, collecting evidence in sealed envelopes, and two women were taken for questioning to assist with the investigation. - March 9, 2026

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