KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: A babysitter is appealing to the parents of an 18-month-old boy to come get their toddler before he is handed to the Welfare Department.

The woman, identified only as Ah Moi, said that the boy, Richard, was brought to her on Oct 13 by a man who claimed to be a friend of the toddler's father.

The man, known as Mr Charlie, had promised Ah Moi RM400 to look after Richard for a week, said MCA Public Complaints and Services Department head Datuk Michael Chong.

Mr Charlie, who was supposed to return for the toddler after a week, has not shown up at Ah Moi's home in Chow Kit, he said.

Chong said the department had received several cases involving babysitters who were saddled with babies after their parents did not return for them.

"Three of these cases involve teenage mothers."

He said two children were handed to the Welfare Department after efforts to trace the parents failed.

In other cases, the babysitters themselves decided to keep the children. Those with information are urged to contact the department at 03-21618044.