TAWAU: The district cops here solved two separate crimes involving foreign workers from the construction sector, with suspects arrested in back-to-back operations over two days.
In the first case, a foreigner working as a painter was arrested on the afternoon of January 3 in connection with a case of causing injury and issuing death threats. The incident occurred last September in Kampung Hidayat, Batu 4 Jalan Apas.
According to OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin, the incident occurred at about 8.30 pm when an unidentified suspect approached the victim, a 30-year-old local man.
“The suspect allegedly inquired about an individual who had assaulted his brother before turning aggressive. He kicked the victim and slashed at the victim’s chest with a sharp object. The suspect is also accused of issuing death threats,” explained Jasmin.
The suspect, in his 20s, was apprehended at a house in Kampung Air, Batu 4 Jalan Apas. The case is being investigated under Section 324 (Causing Injury with a Dangerous Weapon) and Section 506 (Criminal Intimidation) of the Penal Code, as well as the Immigration Act 1959/63.
A day later, on January 4, police arrested another foreigner working as a home repair worker. This case involved allegations of vandalism against an employer’s property in Kampung Kausing last December.
The damage, estimated at RM1,500, was discovered by the 41-year-old homeowner. The vandalism included damage to the living room and toilet tiles, walls, a sink, and a toilet door.
“The suspect, in his 40s, is believed to have committed the act due to dissatisfaction with his salary payment,” stated Jasmin.
The suspect was detained at Kampung Air, Batu 4 Jalan Apas. The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code (Mischief Causing Damage) and the Immigration Act 1959/63.
Jasmin advised the public to refrain from taking matters into their own hands outside the boundaries of the law, regardless of provocation or circumstance.
“Any dispute or problem should be resolved amicably through proper legal channels. Report any criminal incident immediately to the police for appropriate action,” he urged. – James Leong
Tawau policemen arrest the home repair worker (short pants) on January 4.
