TAWAU: Two separate crimes involving two foreigners: the rape of a teenage girl in Tawau and the abandonment of a baby boy in Semporna were reported within 24 hours.
In Tawau, a labourer in his 20s was arrested by police after allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl in the workers’ quarters of a plantation in Brumas on Sunday.
OCPD ACP Jasmin Hussin, said a police report was filed by the victim’s stepfather around 12.55 am after his stepdaughter informed him that she had been sexually assaulted by a man known to her.
According to him, the incident occurred on Sunday about 11.00 pm. The victim claimed that while walking home from a wedding reception, she was stopped and pulled into the suspect’s house, whom she recognised. The suspect then covered her mouth with a cloth and raped her.
Following the report, a team of policemen from the Bombalai Police Station together with auxiliary police arrested the suspect in front of the workers’ housing about 12.10 am
Police also seized several items as evidence, including a shirt, trousers, and a mattress believed to have been used during the incident.
The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape. The public is advised to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
In Semporna, police received a report from a member of the public on May 12 at 8.16 am, stating that a baby boy had been found wrapped in cloth on a pedestrian walkway in front of an abandoned house in Kampung Panji.
The baby was discovered around 7.00 am and taken to Semporna Hospital for examination. The baby, estimated to be two months old and weighing 3 kg, is in good condition, has no injuries, and remains under observation at the hospital. He will be handed over to the Social Welfare Department for further action, OCPD Supt Tan Hiap Wah said.
“Following the discovery, police arrested a 28-year-old woman to assist with the investigation. The case is being investigated under Section 317 of the Penal Code (exposure and abandonment of a child under 12 years of age by parent or person having care of it). If convicted, the offender faces imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine, or both,” Tan added.
Tan also called on members of the public with information on the case to contact investigating officer, Inspector Munnesh Jegathesuran, at 012 992 2566, or any nearby police station. – James Leong
Jasmin said the incident occurred on Sunday about 11.00 pm.
