M'sian Divemaster Arrested For Allegedly Molesting Chinese Tourist While Underwater
The divemaster has been accused of constantly harassing the victim on WeChat, even after they returned to shore.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 08 May 2023, 06:08 PM
A 27-year-old local divemaster was arrested for allegedly outraging the modesty of a tourist from China in Semporna, Sabah
According to New Straits Times, acting district police chief ASP Arif Abdul Razak said the incident happened at 1pm last Friday, 5 May.
"The complainant lodged a report on 6 May before going to Tawau airport and flying off to her country," said the police officer in a statement.
"The suspect is a 27-year-old local who works as a freelance divemaster at a dive centre here. He was arrested on 7 May at about 12.50am in Semporna," he added.
The victim uploaded a photo of the divemaster kissing her while underwater.
Image via Facebook via Oriental DailyThe issue went viral over the weekend after the victim posted photos of the incident, as well as screenshots of the conversation between herself and the divemaster
She also wrote a lengthy account of the ordeal.
Sin Chew Daily reported that the victim said other than being kissed while underwater, the divemaster also contacted her on WeChat repeatedly after returning to the coastline, inquiring for the address of her hotel and asking her for a night out.
"I don't want them. I just want to spend time with you only... Don't be shy. I already [rented] this car for us," read some of the messages.
The victim also uploaded a photo of the police report she lodged against the divemaster.
Arif said the case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force on a person with the intent to outrage the victim's modesty.
If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in jail, a fine, whipping, or any two of such punishments.
The 27-year-old is currently being remanded until 11 May to facilitate investigations.
If you or someone you know may be at risk or has experienced sexual abuse or assault, please reach out to these Malaysian organisations:
1. WOMEN'S AID ORGANISATION (WAO)
Operating hours: 24-hour
Contact: +603-30008858
SMS/WhatsApp: +6018-9888058
Website | Facebook | Twitter
2. ALL WOMEN'S ACTION SOCIETY (AWAM)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9.30am - 5.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp/Telegram: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4180342
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday (7pm - 9pm),Tuesday to Thursday (9.30am - 11.30am), Saturday (2pm - 4pm)
Contact: +6082-368853
SMS/WhatsApp: +6016-5822660 | +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am - 5pm)
Contact: +6088-280200 | +6011-27908020
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (3pm - 12am)
WhatsApp: +6016-7213065
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
7. INTERNET WATCH FOUNDATION (IWF)
Anonymously and confidentially report child sexual abuse content and non-photographic child sexual abuse images with IWF's Reporting Portal.
