TAWAU: A 48-year-old labourer was arrested for allegedly chasing an 11-year-old boy with a machete in Felda Umas, Kalabakan, on Wednesday morning.
District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said the local man was detained at his home around 5.30pm following a report lodged by the victim’s mother.
“The incident occurred around 6am when the boy ran in fear after seeing the suspect approaching him while holding a machete,” he said in here on Thursday.
The frightened child’s mother, fearing for her family’s safety, immediately lodged a report.
Following the report, a team from the district’s Criminal Investigation Division arrested the suspect and seized the weapon believed used in the incident.
Jasmin said initial urine tests showed the man tested positive for methamphetamine, while background checks revealed three prior criminal records in Putrajaya, Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi and Tawau.
He said the suspect is being remanded under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation, which carries a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine, or both, in conviction.
Jasmin reminded the public not to act aggressively or take matters into their own hands, adding that police would not compromise with anyone involved in activities that threaten public safety.
