Melaka Tengah police chief Christopher Patit said the victim was identified as Zafran Ilman Sazwan, aged one year and four months.

The baby’s mother, Nurulhuda Md Ali 34, was also injured in the incident which occurred at 6.45pm.

Police said the victim’s family had come from Kajang, Selangor, for a holiday and were staying at one of the resorts there.

“The mother was carrying her baby and walking towards the beach when the tree suddenly fell and hit both of them,” Christopher said.

He said a witness told police the mother’s head was buried in the sand while the baby was thrown into a thicket of leaves and tree branches.

Members of the public helped to dig the woman out of the sand. She suffered several injuries on her body and was admitted to Melaka Hospital.

The baby was unconscious and suffered head injuries.