Kelantan Health Department to monitor baby girl’s growth after testing positive for drugs

Kelantan Health Department to monitor baby girl’s development after testing positive for drugs. — Unsplash pic

First Published: Sunday, 16 Aug 2026 7:17 PM MYT

KOTA BHARU, Aug 16 — The Kelantan Health Department (JKNK) will continue to monitor the development of a baby girl who tested positive for drugs after birth to identify effects on her mental development, growth and physical development. 

JKNK deputy health director (Medical) Dr Rohana Daud said continuous monitoring is important to ensure any effects on the baby can be identified, and appropriate action can be taken at an early stage. 

“An examination using the Finnegan Score showed that the baby’s score is now zero after receiving treatment. 

“Based on the information obtained, the baby’s mother had taken tranquilisers, and its effects on the baby are unlikely to be prolonged. Instead, the baby only experienced withdrawal symptoms,” she told reporters after officiating Universiti Sains Malaysia’s (USM) House Officer Preparatory Course 2026 at USM Hospital, Kubang Kerian, here today. 

On August 12, a baby girl tested positive for amphetamine and benzodiazepines after undergoing a urine screening at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Hospital Raja Perempuan Zainab II here. 

Following the screening, police detained the baby’s 30-year-old mother to assist investigations under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001 and Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. — Bernama