13-month-old boy dies, mum and babysitter held to assist probe

 The victim was found unconscious with bluish lips by the babysitter at her home in Kampung Melayu, Air Itam, Penang, on Tuesday.

Timur Laut police chief Abdul Rozak Muhammad said the post-mortem was conducted yesterday but the cause of death could only be ascertained after the laboratory report was received. (Facebook pic)

GEORGE TOWN:

A 13-month-old boy died after being found unconscious at his babysitter’s home in Kampung Melayu, Air Itam, here, on Tuesday.

Timur Laut police chief Abdul Rozak Muhammad said police received a report from the emergency and trauma department of Penang Hospital at 5.16pm regarding the baby’s death.

He said preliminary investigations found that the victim was found unconscious by the babysitter at 2pm, with bluish lips.

“The victim was then taken to Penang Hospital by his mother and babysitter at 2.45pm but was pronounced dead at 3.33pm after receiving emergency treatment,” he said in a statement today.

Following the incident, Rozak said police had detained the babysitter, a 44-year-old woman, and the victim’s mother to assist in the investigation.

He said the post-mortem was conducted yesterday, with the cause of death still pending laboratory analysis. The case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 (for alleged neglect or ill-treatment).

“The babysitter has been placed under remand for seven days from yesterday until Sept 15, while the victim’s mother has been remanded for three days until tomorrow to assist in the investigation,” he added. - FMT