Kuala Lumpur  - A Malaysian baby aged less than one month died of starvation after relatives claimed the victim's parents had neglected to feed the child because they were too drunk, a news report said Thursday.

The child died Thursday morning in the intensive care unit of a hospital in the eastern state of Sarawak on Borneo after relatives found the baby unconscious early Wednesday, and rushed the child to hospital.

Police are now investigating claims that the parents, aged in their early 30s, had caused the child's death due to neglect, said district deputy police chief Ismail Paduka Idris.

"We are investigating claims that the parents had indulged in a prolonged drinking spree and had neglected the baby in the process.

"Initial probes showed that the baby might have been so severely neglected that he suffered fatal consequences.

"We want to find out whether this was due to carelessness or criminal neglect," Ismail was quoted as saying by the Star online news portal.

The suspects, who also have a 3-year-old daughter, have not been officially detained, he said.

Ismail also declined to say if baby suffered any bruises that might indicate physical abuse, adding that statements have been taken from neighbours and relatives. (dpa)