Tanah Merah district police chief DSP Suzaimi Mohamad said the five-day old baby was abducted about 9pm last night.

Quick action by police led to the arrest of a young couple (in their 30s) in Selising, Pasir Puteh, at midnight.

Both suspects were taken to Tanah Merah police headquarters with the baby, who was identified by the parents and hospital staff, he told reporters today.

Suzaimi said the couple were remanded for four days for investigations.

Recounting the incident, Mohd Ihtisyamuddin Mohd Ashari,29, said he arrived at the hospital about 9pm and was told by his wife, Siti Norbaiti Bahanaharing,26, that their baby was missing.

After inquiring, a nurse told him that the baby was taken at 6.47pm by a man who claimed to be a family member.

Ihtisyamsuddin realised his baby had been abducted and this led to a commotion in the hospital.

He then lodged a police report and got the man’s name and address from the register at the hospital.

“About two hours later, police told me my baby had been found and that the suspects had been arrested.

“I am very grateful to the police for their quick action.”

Meanwhile, Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said he will probe into the abduction case.
            
He said the incident should not have happened at any hospital and that the ministry viewed the incident very seriously. 
            
“We have procedures that should be adhered to in order to take a baby or a patient out (of the hospital).

“This is to ensure safety of babies and patients in the wards,” he told reporters after launching the National Antibiotic Awareness Week Campaign 2016 at the Putrajaya Hospital here today.