Cereal box baby killer: Some sympathy, some anger, but many asking ‘Where’s the dad?’

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have been stunned by the news of a Malaysian student in the United Kingdom who, after giving birth, placed her newborn baby in a cereal box shortly after birth and concealed the box in a suitcase.

Teo Jia Xin, 22, was sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 17 years at Warwick Crown Court following her murder conviction on Friday (Oct 26).

The news has drawn mixed reactions from Malaysians on social media with some expressing sympathy for Teo’s fate, while some were saddened as an innocent life was terminated in such a terrible manner.

On The Star’s Facebook account, users commented that the tragedy probably took place mainly due to fear or shame.

“As long as premarital pregnancy is a taboo subject… this will keep happening, blame the society, not only her,” said Resh Jack.

Joseph Ong believes that Teo probably panicked before committing the unthinkable.

“It’s difficult to think coherently when unplanned pregnancy happens when you are at this age. In her panic state, she did the unthinkable and now she has to face the consequences.”

Another user who goes by Watashiwa Nani-desu said Teo must have been terrified as she had to face it all by herself.

“A woman just reaching the age of 22, first time living far from her family… must have been terrified, having to face this alone.

“I can’t even imagine the mental struggle she had to endure on her own. If only she sought help, everything could have been different,” she said.

It was learned that she had opportunities to seek help but instead chose secrecy, keeping her pregnancy from her family and friends, even going so far as to lie to those close to her, healthcare providers, and the police.

Warwick Crown Court Judge Justice Tipples said that Teo had screamed at friends and paramedics, who had made their way into her room and found the large amounts of blood, to leave.

Another user, Rema Sasidharan said the father too has to take responsibility.

“Two made a baby. And one travelled alone without support,” she said.

Charles Toolseram Chan felt that the whole incident was not entirely Teo’s fault.

Some expressed disappointment over the incident.

Marlina Azmi said it is hard not to judge Teo especially when she declined any help from anyone who was there for her.

“When she gave birth in the bathroom, her roommates were there offering help. An ambulance was called and she refused to open the bathroom room door. She instead chose to kill her baby… It’s hard to feel sympathetic.”

User Chrissy Ng said it was a sad case and said she felt sorry for the innocent baby, questioning; “What is happening to youngsters nowadays?”

Instagram user hazelut_gurl also shared a similar sentiment when she said that “an innocent child, without any autonomy or voice, becomes a victim of adult choices.”