Parents of student in baby murder case have arrived in Kuching to meet her

KUCHING: The parents of a woman who has been remanded for suspected murder of her newborn girl at an apartment in Muara Tabuan have arrived here last night and will be meeting with her today.

They are, however, scheduled to meet Belaga assemblyman Liwan Lagang first before going to see their daughter who is alleged to have murdered her newborn after giving birth to the infant.

She may be charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code.

The woman, 24, from Belaga, is a third-year student of a nearby college. She was picked up by CID personnel at her apartment around 12.30pm Tuesday after a cleaner at the complex found the body of a newborn around 10am.

She has been warded at Sarawak General Hospital after being remanded for seven days.

“I have suggested to her parents, through our mutual friends, to come down to Kuching to see what can be done for their daughter. They ( parents) will be arriving tonight ( last night) by bus from Belaga,” Liwan said when contacted yesterday.

Liwan, who is also Assistant Minister for River Transportation and Safety, said the parents were just simple farmers.

“I have never met them before but I will meet them tomorrow morning (today) and try to bring them to see their daughter.

“I will help in whatever way I can and whatever help I can render will depend on what transpires from the meeting,” said Liwan.

Liwan said he doesn’t know the family and thus could not comment why a woman of 24 is still in her third year of a diploma course.

“However, for her to pursue her diploma studies even at this age means she is trying hard to make her life better. I hope the public will not speculate.

“For those who cannot sympathise with her, I only hope they will not judge her by circulating unkind statements on social media. Just let the case take its legal course.”

“For those who sympathise with her and believe she is a victim of circumstances, pray for her.

“Though I don’t know the parents, but as a father myself, I know how they must be feeling. They must be so devastated. They will need all the help they can get,” said Liwan.