TAWAU: A local man has been arrested by police on suspicion of molesting a female worker at a grocery store in Kampung Andrassy on Nov 16.
According to OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin, the incident occurred around 5.00 pm while the 20-year-old victim was working at the cashier counter.
“The suspect allegedly touched the victim’s body without warning. The woman immediately pushed his hand away and subsequently filed a police report,” he stated.
Based on information received, a team of police personnel from the district Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested the suspect in front of a tyre shop at Jalan Apas about 1.30 am on Nov 20.
Jasmin confirmed that police also seized a black shirt and bag believed to have been used by the suspect at the time of the alleged incident.
The 26-year-old suspect, who works as a security guard, is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force with intent to outrage modesty. A check of his criminal record revealed a previous offence under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
Jasmin advised the public, particularly women working alone, to remain vigilant and report any criminal incidents to the authorities immediately.
In Semporna, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) thwarted a fuel smuggling attempt and seized two boats in an integrated operation on Thursday.
The unregistered boats were found abandoned 0.1 nautical miles north of Tanjung Pantau-Pantau between 5.45 pm and 5.50pm, with the crews believed to have fled.
The seizure included the boats, two Yamaha 40hp outboard engines, and 37 jerry cans of petrol, suspected to be controlled items. The total estimated value is RM20,000.
The case is being investigated under Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act 1961. The MMEA reiterated its commitment to tightening controls and combating maritime crime in the waters of Semporna, MMEA Semporna director Komander Maritim Amir Shubli said. – James Leong
