KANOWIT, Feb 23:A five-month-old infant boy is suspected to have been abused after he was found with eye injuries and a brain hemorrhage.
The matter came to light when doctors at Sibu Hospital conducted a scan on his skull on Feb 18. They later lodged a police report as his mother’s testimony was not consistent with the injuries that he had suffered.
Kanowit District police chief, DSP Tega Bilong said the child was referred by Kanowit Hospital and admitted at Sibu Hospital Children’s ICU ward for brain surgery.
“Examinations show that there is bleeding in the brain and eyes possibly due to abuse,” he said today.
DP Tega said the infant’s mother, 28, said she found him unconscious after he had fallen down from their house’s window.
“His parents rushed him to Kanowit Hospital for treatment on a motorcycle on the day of the incident, “he said.
It is learned that the family’s house has no electricity and clean water supply.
“The condition of the house is very poor where certain parts of the wooden floors are higher than the others. There are seven people staying in the house. The infant’s mother has two children from her previous marriage,” said Tega.
Tega said the infant is still receiving treatment at the hospital.
“We have yet to make any arrest as we are still waiting for a medical report from Sibu Hospital to confirm whether the infant’s injury was due to abuse, “he said
He added that the case is being investigated under Section 31 (1) (a) of the Child Act 2001. — DayakDaily
