Toddler dies due to negligence

An 18-month-old baby boy has died after suffering internal bleeding in his head, believed to be due to negligence.

Perak deputy police chief Supt Ahmad Termizi Abdul Haq said the toddler died at 11.15am today after nearly eight days of receiving treatment in the intensive care unit, Pediatric Ward of the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB) here.

"The baby was referred to HRPB at 5.30pm on July 1 when an employee of a nursing home took him to a nearby clinic after he was found to be having trouble breathing," he said when contacted by Bernama here on Tuesday.

A medical officer of HRPB who examined the baby found there was internal bleeding in his head and subsequently lodged police report.

Police are investigating the case under Section 31 (1) (a) Children Act 2001.

Ahmad Termizi said according to preliminary investigations, the bleeding was a result from the impact of the boy hitting his head at the edge of a table.

"However, we do not rule out elements of abuse," he said.

He said the baby's parents had been called to give their statements.