Two DAP representatives have called on the authorities to immediately investigate a TikTok account run by an individual allegedly providing illegal baby adoption services.
The party’s deputy secretary for international affairs, Kasthuri Patto, told Malaysiakini that she was shocked beyond belief when Malim Nawar assemblyperson Bavani Shasha Veraiah informed her about the account.
“A TikTok account belonging to a man in Penang showed an advertisement for baby adoptions, birth certificate preparation, and a WhatsApp number as contact details.
“Who is this person? What are his credentials? What is the intention of doing this? Who is assisting him in the National Registration Department in obtaining the birth certificate?” she said in a joint statement with Bavani released exclusively to Malaysiakini.
Calling the service dangerous, Kasthuri (above) highlighted that this is not the first time they have heard about such activities and added that it exploits desperate families looking to make quick money or to adopt.
Brazen advertising
Citing several cases where police rescued babies and toddlers from such syndicates, Kasthuri pointed out that the individual had brazenly advertised the service on TikTok.
“He has 7,459 followers and more than 20,000 likes for his posts, and the numbers are increasing.
“Six videos showed newborn babies that appear to be up for adoption - some as recent as six days ago,” she said.
Malaysiakini attempted to contact the account holder who initially responded.
However, after a few exchanges, the individual used abusive language and then blocked our messages.
In 2013, Penang police rescued a two-month-old baby believed to be a victim of a syndicate selling babies and toddlers, found at a house in USJ, Subang Jaya.
Therefore, Kasthuri and Bavani urged Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain and MACC chief commissioner Azam Baki to investigate and called on the public to lodge joint police reports against the services.
“We also call for a transparent and efficient child adoption system by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, as vague, ambiguous, and unclear guidelines, including a very long waiting period for potential adopters, contribute to the problem.
“Of course, there should be no shortcuts, and everything must be done in the child’s best interest, but there must be a reasonable ‘waiting period’ in place,” they added. - Mkini
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