THE tragic death of a four-month-old boy at a 24-hour daycare located within the vicinity of Seberang Jaya Hospital last week has been officially attributed to drowning, according to the Penang Police Chief, Datuk Azizee Ismail.
“Preliminary autopsy findings indicate that the child died as a result of drowning,” Datuk Azizee said, adding that the investigation file is currently being finalised for further action.
“Investigations are ongoing, and several key aspects are being thoroughly reviewed before the case is referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor,” he told reporters during the Op Selamat 26 programme for Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026 at Juru Toll Plaza.
Earlier reports confirmed that two female daycare workers, aged 31, had their remand extended by seven days from March 10 to assist in the investigation.
The case had initially been opened under suspicion of murder following the infant’s death.
The victim, identified as Hayl Haarith Mohd Syafaeez, was found unresponsive at the 24-hour facility in the early hours of Monday.
His mother, 30-year-old nurse Ummu Habibah Wahab, received a call notifying her that her child’s face had turned blue.
Hayl Haarith was rushed to the emergency department of Seberang Jaya Hospital around 4 a.m., where medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for about an hour, but were unable to revive him.
The baby had only recently been enrolled at the daycare after his mother returned to work following her confinement period. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. - March 18, 2026
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