Infant Dies After Bottle-Feeding Incident in Kota Bharu Confinement Center
By Loshinniy Nair S. Baskaran
11th September 2024 – A 30-day-old baby tragically passed away in Kota Bharu after being bottle-fed by a nurse at a confinement care center. The incident occurred early in the morning around 5:30 AM. Despite being rushed to a private hospital, the infant was declared dead upon arrival.
The police have since arrested the nurse, a woman in her 20s, for investigation under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001. This section pertains to child abuse or neglect, which can lead to serious harm or death. As part of the ongoing investigation, the nurse is currently being held in remand for further questioning.
This unfortunate event has sparked public concern about the quality and safety of care provided at confinement centers, facilities commonly used by new mothers for postnatal care. The center involved is also under scrutiny as authorities investigate the circumstances leading to the infant’s death. Many parents rely on these centers for professional support, but this case has raised questions about the monitoring and training of staff working in such facilities.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of ensuring stringent safety standards and qualified personnel in care facilities for infants. The investigation is ongoing, and the authorities have assured that any negligence found during the probe will be dealt with in accordance with the law. The public awaits the findings of the investigation to determine if any further actions will be taken against the facility or its staff, as stated in Bernama.