TAWAU: Police have arrested a local contractor on suspicion of sexually assaulting his four-year-old daughter on Monday (July 27).
Acting Tawau District Police Chief Supt Wilynton Enchana Watt said a report was received at 6.15pm on the day of the incident from a medical officer after examining the victim at Tawau Hospital.
He said the alleged victim’s mother brought her daughter to the Emergency Department of the hospital after the child complained that her private parts had been touched by her father.
A team from the District Criminal Investigation Division then launched an operation to locate the 35-year-old suspect and arrested him in the compound of Tawau Hospital at 10.50pm.
“We are still investigating the case, including recording further statements from the alleged victim’s father.
“The suspect was arrested to assist investigations under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017,” he said.
Under the law, a person commits an offence by touching any part of a child’s body, or cause a child to touch any part of the offender’s body or another person’s body for sexual purpose.
Wilynton expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Health, particularly Tawau Hospital staff, for their professionalism and vigilance, including their prompt action in lodging a report.
“The swift action taken by Tawau Hospital enabled the police to begin investigations immediately without delay, while ensuring that the welfare, safety and protection of the victim remained the top priority,” he said.
He added that police would not compromise on any form of sexual crime against children and would take firm action against those involved in accordance with the existing laws.
