17/08/10 BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia,…

- BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Sarawak Daily News - http://www.theborneopost.com -

Strong support to charge baby dumpers for murder

Posted By justyn On August 17, 2010 @ 9:43 AM In Sabah | Comments Disabled

KOTA KINABALU: The proposal to classify baby dumping that leads to deaths of babies as
crime or murder has strong support from the public.

Sitiha Muhamud, 33, said it was a reasonable proposal by the W omen, Family and
Community Development Ministry to impose the death sentence on those involved in this
inhuman activity.

“If w e look at the current situation where youths are involved in baby dumping, it’s really
worrying us because they are our future generations and supposed to lead the country in
future.

“Those offenders deserve to receive the death sentence for w hat they are doing. It is not a
small matter as it involves a baby’s life,” she said of the recent proposal by W omen, Family
and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to classify baby
dumping as a crime or murder.

The death penalty for the offenders is timely to curb baby dumping, she added.

Nor Syakirah Dzulkifli, 25, said the suggestion by the ministry was really good as such
offenders deserved to be punished with death.

“The heavy penalty could reduce the number of baby dumping cases and remind others not
to repeat similar offences,” she said, adding babies should be given an opportunity to live.

Syakira added that the communities are also playing an important role in educating youths
with religious know ledge to ensure they would not be involved in inhuman and immoral
activities.

A former teacher from Taw au, Lee Chye Ewe, said the decision showed the cabinet is serious
about curbing such act.

However, she said introducing severe punishment is not the only way or better w ay to solve
the problem.

Lee said many who dumped babies w ere victims of rape, relationships that turned sour and
from broken families.

Even sadder was that these victims (or ‘criminals’ which some might like to call them), are
young women w ho were put into such a situation for being a woman, who gets pregnant
and carries a baby.

And she is the one to shoulder all the consequences and the condemnation of her society.

“The men who are equally responsible are normally not caught. The society, w hich condemns
illegal sex and embarrasses the victims to ask for help, are now the ones calling for severe
actions to be taken.

“By classifying baby dumping as murder, we w ill make it even more difficult for these victims.
More cases w ill go unreported for fear of getting the death sentence.

“We, everyone included, should focus more on changing our attitude and perception on
these victims before they take the last resort of dumping their babies.

“If w e do not change our attitude but keep condemning the victims, we are indirectly
contributing to the murder.”

According to him, each individual should be more caring and loving, offering more help and
assistance instead of calling for punishments.

www.theborneopost.com/?p=58890&p… 1/3
17/08/10 BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia,…
“A caring and loving society would have a long-term benefit in solving the social ills in our
society.”

However, Malaysia Red Crescent Society Tawau Chapter chairman Pang Pak Chung said that
if a baby died after being dumped by parents, this act should be classified as murder
because they have killed a human.

Atha Nurul, 30, also fully supported the government’s decision to classify baby dumping as
murder, adding that this also showed the government is serious in curbing baby dumping.

“Those irresponsible persons doing this cruel action must also face ‘cruel’ penalties. A baby is
a gift from God. They need shelter, love and care. They have great value for the future of our
country.

“If they do not w ant the baby, they should give the baby to a married couple who do not
have their own baby.

“Don’t dump them. Please have a heart,” she exclaimed.

In Sandakan, educationist Stephen Wong agreed that baby dumping should be classified as
murder.

“The penalty is appropriate. Even if an individual does not intend to commit murder, the act
of leaving the helpless and innocent infant to die is tantamount to murder,” he said.

Those interviewed in Lahad Datu also lauded the proposal and described it as timely.

The government had made the right decision, said Azwan Kadir.

“This act is immoral and individuals who are willing to do so must be given the punishment
that commensurate with their evil deeds,” he said.

Yin Idole, a mother of tw o, said the government should pursue the proposal in order to put a
stop to the increasing number of baby dumping cases w hich are widespread among
teenagers.

“If baby dumping is classified as murder, the punishment will be severe and this will instil fear
and probably w ill reduce baby dumping cases,” she added.

“This proposal should be put into practice as soon as possible because baby dumping cases
are increasing from day to day and more lives are lost due to man’s inhumanity,” said
another w oman, identified as Abie.

She said at least if heavier punishment was imposed on babies dumpers, others would live in
constant fear and then realize that life is very precious. In addition, they will also learn to be
more responsible,” she stressed.

For Ratna, w ho has three children, she said the government should also take preventive
action right from the school level.

She said to deal with them at the school level would be much easier in terms of advising
them than adults.

“Students should be given more exposure to the disadvantages of random sex and its
consequences for their future.

“The government also can take steps like sending the student w ho is found guilty of baby
dumping to moral rehabilitation school,” she added.

Article printed from BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia, Saraw ak Daily News:
http://www.theborneopost.com

URL to article: http://www.theborneopost.com/?p=58890

www.theborneopost.com/?p=58890&p… 2/3
17/08/10 BorneoPost Online | Borneo , Malaysia,…
Copyright © 2009 The Borneo Post. All rights reserved.

www.theborneopost.com/?p=58890&p… 3/3