JOHOR BARU: Police have recorded statements from six people over the murder of a one-year-old, allegedly by his mother, says Johor police chief Comm M. Kumar.
He said that witnesses included the baby's father, other family members and neighbours.
"Investigation is still ongoing and we have called several witnesses for their statements.
"The main suspect, who is the child's mother, is being remanded at Hospital Permai until March 23.
"Early investigations show she has health issues but we are still waiting for reports from the hospital," he said in a press conference after visiting a Ramadan bazaar near a mall here.
Comm Kumar added that the 32-year-old suspect was also seeking treatment at the hospital for some head injuries.
On Sunday (March 17), the woman was arrested after allegedly slitting her baby boy's throat at their house in Pasir Gudang.
Earlier, Comm Kumar said a report was lodged about the baby's death at around 1.30pm on Saturday (March 16).
"Early investigations found that the suspect sent a picture of the deceased covered in blood to her husband," he said in a statement.
On Monday (March 18), Johor health and environmental committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the woman had been sent to Permai Hospital for mental evaluation.
Ling also said that the woman would be placed at the hospital for about a week for doctors to assess her.
On a separate matter, Comm Kumar said the police have received a total of 11 police reports related to the recent sale of socks bearing the word "Allah".
"We have conducted checks at the factory (vendor that supplied the controversial socks) and seized five pairs of socks," he said.
He also reminded the public not to take part in mobs, gatherings or demonstrations over the issue, which could disrupt public harmony.
On his visit to the bazaar here, Comm Kumar also said some 400 policemen have been deployed to 155 Ramadan bazaars statewide.
Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim’s Family, Social and Community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929, go to www.befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers and operating hours, or email sam@befrienders.org.my.
