Police said the baby boy was found naked and placed on the gravel by the roadside, Bernama reported.

Kuala Muda police chief Hanyan Ramlan said they received a call at 9.55am.

“A resident who was hanging clothes heard cries and began searching the area. She was shocked to discover the baby by the roadside.

“Neighbours who heard the woman’s screams helped to move the baby to a safer spot before contacting the police,” he said in a statement.

Hanyan said there were no surveillance cameras in the area.

“The baby was taken to the emergency department of Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital in Sungai Petani for an examination.

“A medical officer confirmed the baby was in a stable condition, with only minor scratches on the right eye and right side of the body,” he was quoted as saying.

He said police are tracking down a 17-year-old teenager to assist in the investigation.

“A 19-year-old female, believed to be his partner, has been admitted to the hospital for further examination and treatment,” he said, adding that the case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code for abandonment of a child.