Cleaner hears unusual cries coming from airport bathroom, then finds something had been left behind

A newborn baby boy was reportedly discovered alive inside a sanitary trash can at the Penang International Airport. A cleaner working in the terminal heard unusual cries coming from a bathroom designated for people with disabilities and promptly alerted the authorities to the situation.

As reported by the NY Post, the cleaner was in shock when they checked the bin. The infant was reportedly found lying inside the container, which was lined with a blue plastic bag. Footage of the rescue shows the baby still had his umbilical cord attached to the placenta as airport staff carefully lifted him out to safety. 

Southwest District police chief Anuwal Ab Wahab provided details on the initial discovery. “Cleaning staff heard cries coming from a sanitary bin in a toilet designated for people with disabilities and called police,” Anuwal Ab Wahab said. After the rescue, the newborn was transported to Penang Hospital. Medical professionals evaluated the infant and determined he was in a “generally good condition” and healthy.

The police have arrested two suspects 

Following the discovery, authorities reportedly began reviewing CCTV footage from the airport to determine who was responsible for the child. This investigation led to the arrest of a 23-year-old woman and a 22-year-old Burmese national who works as a security guard at the airport. 

It is important to note that officials have not yet established whether these two individuals are the parents of the baby. Forensic tests are currently being conducted to determine the exact relationship between the suspects and the newborn.

The police provided further context regarding the security guard during the arrest process. “The man was detained to assist with investigations into the case, and he was also found to have failed to produce valid travel documents,” the police chief said.

Legal proceedings are now underway regarding the incident. “The case was being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code, which relates to the abandonment of a child under 12 by a parent or person having care of the child.” Under this section of the law, anyone convicted of abandoning a child under the age of 12 faces a serious penalty. This can include up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.