A TECHNICIAN checking utility meter readings outside a Housing Board flat yesterday was hit by a foul smell when he pried open the door of a riser sealed shut by masking tape.

He thought it might be a dead cat, but a niggling suspicion prompted him to call the police a few hours later.

That led to the discovery of a dead baby and the arrest of a 24-year-old woman, believed to be its mother.

The 35-year-old technician, who gave his name only as Zul, had gone to the flat in Block 678D, Jurong West Street 64 at about 10.30am. There was nobody in at the time.

He felt uneasy after making the find and told a colleague who was also there. He showed the other man the green recycling bag that was in the riser, through which they could see a red plastic bag which had been tied up.

The other man, who gave his name as Yusof, told The Straits Times: 'I've never come across a dead body before. I thought it was just a dead cat.'

Both men left it and went their separate ways at about 11am. But Zul called the police at about 2.45pm and went back to the flat to help in investigations.

The age and gender of the baby have not been determined, said police. The baby is believed to have been under a year old, and was found naked.

Neighbours said about eight people live in the five-room flat, including a toddler and two babies. The family had lived there for about a year and appeared to be close-knit, neighbours said. They were often seen leaving the flat together.

Yesterday, a pair of burning joss sticks were placed on the floor below the riser where a dark stain was spotted.

Mothers or pregnant women in trouble can call the National Pregnancy Helpline on 1800-MUM-TO-BE, the Babes Teens SMS Helpline on 8111-3535 or the Child Protection and Welfare Service at the Ministry of Community Development, Youth and Sports on 1800-258-6378.