KUALA LUMPUR: Hospital Bersalin Razif (HBR) has denied claims of negligence and abuse regarding the handling of a newborn's body, which was allegedly stored in a freezer and delayed for burial.

In a statement, the private hospital explained that the mother, a first-time pregnant woman, came to the facility to deliver without having first undergone antenatal check-ups.

“She was brought to the delivery room and gave birth almost immediately. The baby was born with cyclopia syndrome, with one eye, and no nose or anus,” the statement said. It was also revealed that the woman was accompanied by a man initially introduced as her husband, who later denied being married to her.

HBR further stated that the baby passed away shortly after receiving medical treatment, and the man was given permission to arrange for the burial the following day.

The mother, who was discharged the next day, informed the hospital staff that she was unable to pay the hospital bill of RM2,480. Despite this, HBR allowed the family to proceed with the burial.

“Several days later, HBR continued to remind her to proceed with the burial, but she said her ‘husband’ was handling the matter,” the statement added.

HBR also claimed that they provided counseling, free meals, and support to the woman, who reportedly refused to involve the police or provide any family details.

Earlier, media reports claimed the newborn's body was frozen in a morgue for about two weeks at a private hospital in Klang, allegedly because the father could not afford to pay the bill. The hospital management was said to have insisted the RM3,600 bill be settled before any burial arrangements could be made.