Not all baby dumping cases classified as murder

Not all cases of baby dumping will be classified as murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries a mandatory death sentence.

Classification of baby dumping cases will depend on the proof or evidence obtained by the police during their investigations as well as the decisions of the Attorney-General's Chambers based on the investigations.

According to a statement from the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry today, based on Section 300 of the Penal Code, baby dumping cases involving death have to fulfil certain criteria under the section.

The statement said the main aim of the ministry in wanting a heavy penalty for those involved in baby dumping was to check the problem which had become rampant.

It said the heavy penalty would encourage them to think deeply about committing the heinous offence and its implications and of the support system provided by the government and non-governmental organisations like the NUR helpline 15999 and shelter homes.

In another statement from the ministry issued in conjunction with the National Women's Day which falls tomorrow, its minister Shahrizat Abdul Halil (left) called on Malaysian women to liberate their minds and strive to become more knowledgeable, skilful and innovative individuals.

She said this was to make women's role more relevant in the current era and beyond.

She also congratulated women leaders, especially from the younger generation, who supported the government's aspiration to make Malaysia a more dynamic and progressive country.

"Armed with idealism and energy, this younger generation of women is important in charting the country's future direction," she said.

Shahrizat also thanked past and veteran women leaders who have helped groom the second echelon leaders who would play an important in producing quality human capital.

The theme for this year's National Women's Day celebration is "1Azam-Wanita 1Malaysia", which means Malaysian women uphold the government's aspiration to realise its Transformation Programme, National Key Result Area programmes, New Economic Model and Tenth Malaysia Plan.

- Bernama