Less Than 40% Of 911 Dumped Babies In Malaysia Survived In The Last 8 Years

Of that number, Yeoh said, 585 babies had died and 326 babies were found alive, reported The Star today, 23 October.

However, the statistics did not reveal whether the babies were from teenagers.

The second highest was Sabah with 113, followed by Johor with 104, and Kuala Lumpur with 83 cases.

Additionally, 79,302 cases of teenage pregnancies (below 18) were recorded between 2012 and 2016. Last year, the National Health and Morbidity Survey found that only 10% of teenagers used contraceptives.

Yeoh added that there is no need for these women to be overcome by guilt or shame.

"If you are pregnant and don't want the baby, we want the baby. Don't kill the baby. Give it up for adoption," said Yeoh, reported Free Malaysia Today.

She added that OrphanCare has received over 300 babies within the past 10 years.

The non-governmental organisation has three baby hatches located in Petaling Jaya, Sungai Petani, and Johor Bahru.

Yeoh revealed that the babies who were rescued by the Welfare Department would also be placed in a foster care programme, where 80% of the babies were usually adopted.

The remaining 20% often stay with the Welfare Department as health issues prevent families from adopting them.

The ministry also provides shelter for women and teenagers who get pregnant out of wedlock.

Yeoh encourages the public to end the stigma surrounding teenage pregnancy in order to prioritise the health of the mother and baby.