Probe launched after premature baby tests positive for prohibited substance

The Kelantan Welfare Department has initiated an investigation after a urine test on a premature baby at a hospital revealed the presence of a prohibited substance. The department's director, Che Samsuzuki Che Noh, disclosed that the case was reported by the hospital last week following the baby's screening. The Kelantan Welfare Department promptly took action, reaching out to the baby's biological mother and conducting checks with the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA).

The department also sought assistance from the police in the investigation. Initial findings revealed that the mother had no previous record with NADA. Further investigations by the department on August 12 revealed several matters requiring scrutiny, including the mother's medication consumption and use of substances before the baby's birth.

The baby is currently under the care of medical personnel in the hospital. The department stated that they would continue to gather information from the hospital, police, NADA, and other agencies to complete their investigation, focusing on the child's safety, welfare, and best interests. The Kelantan Health Department is monitoring the newborn girl who tested positive for amphetamines and benzodiazepines at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on August 6, with health officials monitoring the infant for withdrawal symptoms following the mother's suspected sedative use.