SANDAKAN: Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Alex Thien Ching Qiang responded to a public complaint on Aug 18 regarding a woman believed to be suffering from mental or cognitive health issues, who was seen wandering near the Sandakan Central Market and a hotel in the town centre, drawing concern from both residents and tourists.
According to reports, the woman was first spotted last Saturday in the busy downtown area. Witnesses said she had lain down for an extended period near the hotel premises and exhibited highly unusual behaviour, including being observed in a state of partial undress, which prompted members of the public to alert the assemblyman’s office.
Upon receiving the complaint, Thien immediately proceeded to the location to assess the situation firsthand. He attempted to engage the woman in conversation to gather more details about her background and circumstances.
“The woman mostly spoke in Cantonese, but based on our interaction, she was unable to communicate normally,” Thien said. As a result, her identity, home address, and whether any family members or friends are currently searching for her remain unconfirmed.
While speaking with her, Thien observed several worrying behaviour, including her state of undress. He promptly contacted the local authorities and police for assistance. With their cooperation, the woman was first taken to a police station before being transferred to a hospital for further medical and psychiatric evaluation. The examination aims to assess both her physical and mental health condition and to determine the appropriate follow‑up care.
Thien noted that Sandakan is currently in its peak season for foreign tourists, making the public market, hotel areas, and city centre busy focal points for locals and visitors alike. “Beyond maintaining the town’s image, the safety and welfare of the woman herself must be prioritised so that she receives proper medical treatment and social support,” he stressed.
He has also issued an appeal to any family members or relatives who may be searching for her to come forward and contact the police or relevant agencies without delay. – James Leong
Thien located the woman at the back lane of a building in Sandakan town centre on Tuesday.
