KOTA KINABALU: The remains of a newborn girl were found near a coastal area in Tawau on Wednesday (June 8).

       Tawau district police chief Assistant Comm Jasmin Hussin said in a statement on Thursday (June 9) they were alerted to the discovery near Tanjung Batu Longpond at 4.43pm.

       He added that the body was wrapped together with a 1.25kg stone in batik fabric inside a pink bag, saying that it is believed that the stone was to keep the bag from floating in the sea.

       “Someone reported seeing the bag floating near the jetty there, and opened it to find the body of a baby with the umbilical cord still attached,” he said.

       He said a police team was sent to the scene, and Health Ministry officers were also present to bring the remains to Hospital Tawau for further action.

       “The preliminary report from the doctor on duty confirmed the baby to be female weighing 1kg,” said ACP Jasmin.

       He said the case is being investigated under Section 318 of the Penal Code for concealment of birth by the secret disposal of a body.

       ACP Jasmin also urged the public not to speculate about the case.

       “Any information regarding this case can be forwarded to the nearest police station or the Tawau district police headquarters at 089-752222,” he added.