Each time you read or hear about an abandoned baby, you would probably cringe with disgust at the mother for dumping her infant.
With every report of abandoned babies, the public react with outrage and harsh comments. But as more such reports surface, people often grow jaded about the subject.
However, a group of social activists are taking a proactive approach by joining forces to educate the target group with the aim of eradicating baby dumping.
Early this year iM Prihatin, a non-governmental organisation, was formed to combat social issues such as abandoned babies, child abuse, incest, drug trafficking and environmental protection.
"iM" in iM Prihatin stands for Impian Malaysia and the name simply means The Caring Malaysian Dream, an objective for which the NGO is striving.
Official records show there were 407 cases of abandoned babies nationwide from 2005 to last year, and 60 cases up to August this year.
Of the babies dumped this year, 25 were boys and 21 girls, while 14 could not be identified due to decomposition and one who was mauled by dogs.
To our shame, Johor ranks the second-highest in the country with 83 reported cases of abandoned babies and 600 cases of child abuse over the last five years.
Activists noted that the rise in the number of abandoned babies stemmed from unwanted pregnancies among unwed young women as well as a community ill-equipped to deal with unwanted pregnancies.
To address this issue, iM Prihatin has a three-fold approach to educate and create awareness on the issue. They'll be publishing a book, producing a play and presenting a series of workshops on reproductive health.
Families, youths and society in general need to change their mindset and for those trapped with unwanted pregnancies, to realise that there is a better way to deal with newborns instead of abandoning them.
Working in cooperation with local publisher, Various Channels Communications (VCC), iM Prihatin will publish a book entitled Yang Buas, Terbuang, Terbiar (The Savage, The Dumped, The Abandoned), a compilation of articles with pictures and illustrations.
Some of the book's contributors include former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, associate professor Dr Mohamed Fadzil Che Din, Datuk Dr Fadzillah Khamsah and Datuk David Teo.
Parents and guardians, schools and colleges, and companies are encouraged to be educated and informed on the subject.
A theatre production entitled Abang, Abang, Oh Abang written by Dr Salina Malar Abdullah who operates Persatuan Kebajikan Tiram (PKT), a shelter for unwed mothers and abandoned babies, is based on true stories from her experience.
This dance musical will be staged by Kesuma-i Theatre Johor Baru and directed by Mohd Razif Hj. Adnan and Tuan Haji Mohd Anim Suleiman as a music composer with the support of the Johor branch of the Culture and Arts Ministry, as well as several cultural groups such as the Johor Arts Council the Johor Heritage Foundation, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Triangle Music Centre and ABM Trading and Construction.
The audience can look forward to seeing Zarina Zainoordin of Akademi Fantasia Season 2 fame presenting as Calista and a moving poem entitled Yang Namanya Mama written by Fazleena Hishamuddin.
As she came across increasing reports of abandoned babies, Fazleena was moved to pen the poem, speaking up for newborns who've lost their lives. The last few lines of her poignant piece reads as follows:
Jangan risau Mama
Aku ada bersama Dia
Yang terima aku kurang-lebih nya
Yang menjaga aku di Syurga
Yang beritahu aku apa makna cinta
Buat Mama Mama
Berhentilah menjaja cinta
Berhentilah menjadi dosa
(Don't worry Mama
I am with Him (the Almighty)
Who accepts my weaknesses
Who cares for me in Heaven
Who teaches me the meaning of love
For Mama Mama
Stop forsaking love
Stop it from becoming a sin)
Teenagers who get pregnant are usually ostracised by society and fear that they will be punished not only by their parents but by religious authorities as well.
While the family plays an important role to educate youths on reproductive health and protect against incest, iM Prihatin will present a series of workshops next month using professional teaching materials approved by the World Health Organisation.
The workshop modules that spread over 75 hours include education on behavioural and social skills to protect women's reproductive rights and how to make informed decisions about unwanted babies.
In a recent press conference, iM Prihatin announced its three-fold approach will complement each other in themes that reflect its objectives -- to eradicate this social ill, increase love within families, save lives and ultimately create a more caring and harmonious society.
These activities will be funded from revenue earned from the book sale and through sponsorship from the private sector.
iM Prihatin also thanked Koperasi MMHE and other sponsors and donors for stepping forward in support of their cause.
If you wish to contribute towards this worthy cause or make enquiries, call iM Prihatin at 07-2321 223 and 016-7234 419 or email imprihatin@gmail.com
