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TAWAU: Police arrested a local contractor on suspicion of sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter in an incident reported to have occurred in the district on July 27.
Acting Tawau District Police Chief Supt Wilynton Enchana Watt said a police report was received at about 6.15pm on the same day from a medical officer after the child was examined at Tawau Hospital.
“Initial investigations found that the victim’s mother brought her daughter to the Emergency Department after the child complained that her private parts had been touched by her father,” he said.
Wilynton said a team from the District Criminal Investigation Division launched an operation to locate the 35-year-old suspect and arrested him at the Tawau Hospital compound at about 10.50pm on the same day.
He said investigations were ongoing, including recording further statements from the suspect.
The suspect was arrested to assist investigations under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for physical sexual assault against a child, an offence that carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
Wilynton also thanked the Ministry of Health, especially Tawau Hospital staff, for their prompt action in reporting the case and ensuring the victim’s safety.
He said police would take firm action against anyone involved in child sexual crimes and urged the public to report any suspected cases of child abuse or sexual offences immediately.
