KUCHING, Oct 29 2026: Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister Fatimah Abdullah has advised any woman, adolescent or mother experiencing a difficult pregnancy, emotional distress or challenging family circumstances to seek assistance from healthcare providers, Social Welfare Department, Sarawak Women and Family Department or other relevant agencies.
Depending on individual needs and professional assessments, she said appropriate assistance may include medical care, counselling, psychosocial support, welfare assessment, temporary protection and referrals to relevant services.
"The priority must be to safeguard both mother and baby and ensure that timely, appropriate assistance is available," she said in a statement when commenting on a news of a newborn baby boy who was found alive, buried in the ground near a rented house along Jalan Airport in Kapit.
"I also call on family members, friends, neighbours and the wider community to be attentive to individuals who may be experiencing a crisis.
"We must not condemn or shame people to the point that they become afraid to seek help. Instead, we should offer support, listen with empathy and help them connect with agencies that can provide professional assistance," Fatimah said.
She said anyone who knows or suspects that a baby or child is in danger should report the matter immediately to the police or the Social Welfare Department, telling members of the public to also contact Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-261 5999 for assistance relating to abuse, child neglect, baby abandonment and welfare concerns.
"I further urge the public not to circulate photographs, identities or unverified information relating to this incident. Such actions may compromise the privacy of those involved, cause further distress and interfere with the ongoing investigation," she warned.
She said the Kapit newborn baby incident must serve as a reminder that child protection is not the responsibility of one agency or one family alone.
"It is a shared responsibility involving the government, healthcare institutions, welfare agencies, civil society organisations and every member of the community.
"We must remain firm and uncompromising in protecting children, while ensuring that women and mothers facing a crisis have access to help, support and safe alternatives.
"May this tragic incident strengthen our collective commitment to compassion, early intervention and shared responsibility in ensuring that every baby and child in Sarawak is protected," she said.
Fatimah said she is deeply saddened by a news of a newborn baby boy who was found alive, buried in the ground near a rented house along Jalan Airport in Kapit.
She said the incident is deeply distressing and raises serious concerns about the safety and protection of children, particularly newborns who are entirely dependent on adults for their survival and well-being.
"My thoughts and prayers are with this little baby. I sincerely pray that he will continue to fight, receive the best possible medical care and have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving environment.
I also extend my prayers and appreciation to the healthcare personnel caring for him," Fatimah said in a statement.
She commended the police personnel who found the baby and acted to secure assistance, saying that in situations of this nature, a prompt response is critical, as every moment can make a difference between life and death.
"At the same time, I wish to emphasise that every child has the right to life, protection and a safe environment in which to grow and develop," she said, stressing that under no circumstances should result in a baby or child being left exposed to danger.
Fatimah said the authorities must be allowed to conduct a thorough, professional and fair investigation, advising that people must not make assumptions or pass judgment on any individual before the facts have been established.
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