A social media post by Wan Cai, a special funeral van unit, claimed the baby’s body had to be thawed with hot water. PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: UNSPLASH
KUALA LUMPUR - Malaysia’s Perikatan Nasional MPs are calling on the Health Ministry to investigate claims that a private hospital kept a baby’s body in a freezer for over two weeks.
Muhammad Adham Mikail was born with severe abnormalities, including having only one eye, no nose, and no anal opening. He died 30 minutes after he was born on Nov 24.
A social media post by Wan Cai, a special funeral van unit, claimed the baby’s body had to be thawed with hot water.
The father is employed at a factory in Shah Alam and could not afford the RM3,600 (S$1,091) hospital bill for his wife’s labour. She had to stay in the hospital until the bill was settled.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the ministry must investigate thoroughly and take action against the hospital’s management.
“Disciplinary and legal action must be taken against the hospital management and responsible parties (to determine) whether it is carelessness or lack of humane feelings towards the family of the deceased,” he said.
Mr Wan Fayhsal emphasised that the delay in burial goes against religious requirements.
“This should not be happening in a rich state like Selangor. Why did the hospital management allow this to happen to a newborn baby who was a Muslim?” he asked.
Kuala Langat MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi urged the ministry to investigate and suggested the hospital treat the case as a case of corporate social responsibility.
He said that resources like Lembaga Zakat Selangor and other agencies could have offered assistance.
“We as MPs also have the responsibility to help the people,” he said, stressing the need for elected representatives to have funds to aid their constituents.
Dr Ahmad Yunus also expressed concern over rising healthcare costs and insurance premiums that may lead to such issues.
The Star have contacted the Health Ministry for more information. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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Malaysia
Hospitals
Children and youth