Babysitter remanded six days over death of seven‑month‑old boy in Seremban

SEREMBAN, May 21 — A babysitter detained to assist investigations into the death of a seven-month-old baby boy at a house in Bandar Sri Sendayan near here last Tuesday has been remanded for six days until May 25.

Seremban police chief ACP Azahar Abdul Rahim said the remand order against the 38-year-old woman began yesterday, and the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

“The post-mortem results have yet to be obtained to determine the cause of the incident, and investigations are still ongoing,” he told Bernama here today.

Yesterday, the media reported that the baby was believed to have become unconscious while under the care of the babysitter at her house in Bandar Sri Sendayan.

The victim was taken to a nearby clinic before being sent to Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital for further treatment, but was pronounced dead after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) efforts were carried out.

Investigations found that at the time of the incident, the baby was believed to have been put to sleep in a cradle and given a silicone pacifier.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Social Welfare Department (JKM) director Muhammad Yusry Che Dah said investigations found that the childcare centre was unregistered and operating without approval under the Child Care Centre Act 1984.

“Based on preliminary reports, several children were under the care of the woman, and we have ordered the premises to cease operations. Most cases involving the death or injury of children occur at unregistered babysitting homes and childcare centres,” he said.

He, therefore, advised parents to always choose registered childcare centres to ensure their children are cared for according to established regulations, while also preventing unwanted incidents from occurring.

“We want to educate the public to send their children to registered childcare centres because approved premises have undergone proper safety inspections and monitoring, not only by JKM but also by the Fire and Rescue Department, local authorities and others.

“Do not look only at cheaper costs because this involves children’s lives. Parents need to be more careful and take preventive measures from the beginning,” he said.

He also urged babysitters and childcare centre workers to attend the free Asuhan Permata course offered in the state to expose them to safe childcare methods and the handling of emergency situations.

Meanwhile, Azahar, in a statement today, said that a post-mortem conducted over nearly five hours at Hospital Rembau beginning at 11 am yesterday confirmed that there was pressure on the victim’s neck.

“Police are still awaiting the results of further tests. Investigations also found that the babysitter was not registered with any department and was providing childcare services privately for payment,” he said. — Bernama