Tour Guide In Sabah Arrested For Allegedly Molesting Tourists While Snorkelling
Investigations revealed that the suspect did not have proper identification or a valid work permit.
By Melissa Alvina — 24 Oct 2023, 11:25 AM
On Sunday, 22 October, a 27-year-old tour guide was arrested for allegedly harassing two foreign female tourists in Semporna, Sabah
According to New Straits Times, Semporna district police chief Supt Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah said that the tour guide was arrested at 7.30pm, following a report made by both the victims earlier that day.
The victims, aged 18 and 22, alleged that they were molested while they were fishing and snorkelling on a resort island.
"One of the victims claimed that while fishing, the suspect had touched her breast and rubbed his private parts against the victim's thigh, as well as repeating the same act while doing snorkelling activities," the English daily quoted Farhan as saying.
He added, "The first incident allegedly happened when they were fishing at about 10.12am while the next incident happened at 3.30pm while doing snorkelling activities."
Further investigations revealed that the suspect is an undocumented immigrant
According to Farhan, the suspect does not have proper documents or a valid work permit.
Subsequently, the police also arrested a manager from the tourism company where the individual was employed. The manager was also arrested under the suspicion of hiring foreign workers without proper documentation or permits.
"Both of them were remanded for four days until 27 October for further investigation in accordance with Section 354 of the Penal Code and Section 6(1)(C) of the Immigration Act. Additionally, the manager of the company involved was investigated in accordance with Section 55B of the Immigration Act 1959/63," he said.
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.
