WORSHIPPERS and residents near Masjid Al-Jamhuriah in Kuala Besut were left shocked after a newborn baby girl was discovered abandoned in a cloth bag at the mosque compound early Tuesday morning.
Besut District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Rozaime Ab Rahim said police received a report from a member of the public at 5.25am before a team of officers was immediately deployed to the location.
“Initial investigations found that the baby girl was discovered by a member of the public at the mosque compound.
“The baby is believed to have been born within the past 24 hours and was still attached to her umbilical cord,” he said in a statement.
Mohd Rozaime said an initial medical examination found that the newborn was in good health before she was taken to Besut District Hospital by health authorities for further assessment and monitoring.
“The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code,” he said.
Police have urged members of the public with information related to the incident to come forward to assist investigations.
“Information can be channelled by contacting the Besut District Police Headquarters (IPD) at 09-6959999 or any nearby police station,” he said. - July 28, 2026