CAMERON HIGHLANDS: Police have arrested a teenager on suspicion of concealing the birth of a baby by burying the child near a water tank at Kampung Melayu Desa Kayangan, near Brinchang here yesterday.

The 19-year-old suspect was allegedly in a relationship with his 21-year-old step-sister, whom he had impregnated. The baby boy was reportedly born on July 16 and later buried by the suspect.

Cameron Highlands police chief Superintendent Azri Ramli said the department was alerted to the incident at 10am yesterday after members of the public discovered the body of a newborn baby wrapped in white cloth.

"Some villagers noticed traces of soil dug up near a water tank and, upon further inspection, found the body of the newborn. They immediately alerted the police.

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"At 5.30pm yesterday, police detained the teenager and seized several tools, including a hoe and a spade, believed to have been used to dig the grave and bury the body," he said today.

Azri said the suspect claimed that he had impregnated his step-sister and buried the baby, who still had the umbilical cord attached.

It is understood that the female suspect is undergoing observation at the Sultanah Hajjah Kalsom Hospital here.

Azri said the case is investigated for concealment of birth by secret disposal of a dead body and the male suspect has been remanded till July 22.

He asked those with information to contact the Cameron Highlands police operations room at 05-4915999 or the nearest police station.