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Police in Kinarut, Sabah, have arrested a 44-year-old man for allegedly harassing several female students near a school on 4 May
The incident, which occurred at approximately 10.30am, involved the suspect approaching the students, pulling their hands, and grabbing them under the pretext of wanting to provide them with transportation to school, according to the New Straits Times.
The incident quickly spread across social media platforms, sparking widespread concern among parents and the local community.
Papar district police chief Supt Heryan Mohd Tahir confirmed that the suspect was apprehended at approximately 6.30pm on the same day, following the submission of several police reports
Heryan stated that while the incidents occurred in open areas and no students were abducted or physically injured, the suspect's actions caused significant fear and anxiety among the students and the local population.
He added that initial investigations are considering that the suspect may be suffering from underlying health issues, a factor that is currently being evaluated.
The investigation into the case is proceeding under Section 354 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017
Heryan has urged the public to refrain from making speculations or spreading unverified information regarding the incident, noting that such actions could disrupt ongoing investigations and exacerbate public anxiety.
He further warned that strict action could be taken against any party found to be disseminating fake news.
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: Weekdays (9.30am – 4.30pm)
Contact: +603-78770224
WhatsApp: +6016-2284221 | +6016-2374221
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
3. WOMEN'S CENTRE FOR CHANGE PENANG (WCC PENANG)
Operating hours: Weekdays (9am – 5pm)
Contact: +604-2280342 | +604-3988340
WhatsApp: +6011-31084001 | +6016-4390698
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
4. SARAWAK WOMEN FOR WOMEN SOCIETY (SWWS)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6082-422660
SMS/WhatsApp: +6013-8044285
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
5. SABAH WOMEN'S ACTION-RESOURCE GROUP (SAWO)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (9am to 2pm)
Contact: +6088-280200
Email: [email protected]
Website | Facebook | Twitter
6. PROTECT AND SAVE THE CHILDREN (PS THE CHILDREN)
Operating hours: Monday to Friday (8.30am to 5.30pm)
Contact: +6016-2273065 | +6016-7213065
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.
8. HEAL
Contact: 15555
