Penang babysitter under seven-day remand after baby dies in her Ayer Itam home

A babysitter in Ayer Itam, Penang is under investigation for the death of a 13-month-old boy who became unconscious while under her care at her home on September 8, 2026 just hours earlier. — Picture by Choo Choy May

First Published: Friday, 11 Sep 2026 9:51 AM MYT

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 11 — A 13-month-old boy died after being found unconscious at his babysitter’s home in Kampung Melayu, Air Itam, here, on Tuesday.

Timur Laut District Police chief ACP Abdul Rozak Muhammad said police received a report from the Emergency and Trauma Department of Penang Hospital at 5.16 pm regarding the baby’s death.

He said preliminary investigations found that the victim was found unconscious by the babysitter at 2 pm, with bluish lips.

“The victim was then taken to Penang Hospital by his mother and babysitter at 2.45 pm, but was pronounced dead at 3.33 pm after receiving emergency treatment,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Following the incident, Abdul Rozak said police had detained the babysitter, a 44-year-old woman, and the victim’s mother to assist in the investigation.

He said the post-mortem was conducted Wednesday, with the cause of death still pending laboratory analysis, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001.

“The babysitter has been placed under remand for seven days from yesterday until Sept 15, while the victim’s mother has been remanded for three days until tomorrow to assist in the investigation,” he added. — Bernama