There have been so many cases of abandoned babies that have just been born. I am not only sad but am sick to the stomach to think what some people are willing to do. I fail to understand and cannot fathom what they were thinking when they acted with such heinous conduct. Have they no pity for the child that the female partner carried for nine months? Have they not a single ounce of love for the baby created and given by God for both partners? Have they no sense of responsibility for the helpless baby that they conceived?

I can understand that the couple might not be married thus the fear, confusion and stigma attached to out-of-wedlock children and to the couple. I can also understand that some might do it because of financial problems. But whatever problems they might face, is it that bad that they are willing to murder a helpless baby? Or even abandon the child somewhere, leaving the baby to suffer before eventually meeting his or her death?

Sometimes, if we are lucky enough, a kind soul would stumble upon the baby and the baby is saved. These babies will then be taken in by the Welfare Department under the ministry of women, family and community development. And in many cases, these babies will get adopted by childless couples or families and go on to lead a wonderful life.

I would like to urge the minister, Shahrizat Abdul Jalil to therefore come up with an overall plan to overcome this sickening problem which seems to plague our community more and more. The plan must be extensive and must have elements using the ‘carrot and stick’ method.

The plan should include:

i. Educating the youths, single mothers and others on sex, pregnancy and so on which is extremely vital. We cannot depend on the old methods where parents tell their children about the birds and bees stories anymore. On this matter, I urge the ministry of education to rethink its decision not to have sex education in schools.

The teachers must also be brave enough to accept this change for the good of the community. This formal channel will provide for a mass coverage and proper knowledge for the youths.

ii. To have ‘halfway homes’ or transit points for single pregnant mothers to go to if the need arises. There should also be counselling, guidance and care made available for the single pregnant mothers. Granted, the ministry might already have a few homes but these are not well publicised.

iii. The ministry should also reach out to single pregnant mothers by letting them know how and where they can go and leave their child instead of abandoning these babies to die. The formation of the ‘Skuad Sayang Wanita BN’ to help the needy should be applauded but their scope should extend to help these single pregnant mothers. The fact that ‘Skuad Sayang BN’ and Wanita Umno are in all parliamentary constituencies in Malaysia means they have extensive and on the ground coverage.

iv. The ministry can also have a dedicated counselling hotline to help these single mothers and fathers.

If after all this assistance and help are well-publicised and given, the couple still abandons their child, then:

v. The government should introduce heavy sentences on those found guilty of abandoning their babies, including charging them with murder or attempted murder. Or close to that.

It is also not only the female partner’s fault but the authorities must also penalise the male partner. Only if they truly repent and seek guidance including taking back the baby, should the authorities even think of helping these people.

The community must also chip in and be well-intentioned ‘busybodies’ in the community. For all what the government wants to do, it will not be effective unless the community helps.

There were 407 cases of abandoned babies between 2005 and 2009. By now, the figure might already reach 430 – 450. Imagine how many lives were lost from those who could have been great persons contributing to society and mankind in the future.

There are many couples out there who are childless or families with children who are looking to adopt babies. Don’t waste a life. Give a chance to the life you have created to live on. I pray to God that no one that I know will ever abandon their baby.