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POLICE have detained a 40-year-old man suspected of raping and sexually assaulting his 13-year-old stepdaughter in Besut.
Besut deputy district police chief Deputy Superintendent Md Sani Md Salleh said the local man was arrested at about 11.50am in Kampung Raja on Wednesday, following a report lodged the same day.
He said a urine screening conducted on the suspect returned positive for methamphetamine.
“The suspect will be brought before the Besut Magistrate’s Court to seek a remand order to assist with further investigations,” he said in a statement on Wednesday.
The case is being investigated under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code and Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
If convicted under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, the suspect faces between eight and 30 years in prison and at least 10 strokes of the cane.
“Under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, an offender may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison and may also be caned,” he said.
Md Sani said police viewed all reports involving sexual offences against children seriously and would take firm action in accordance with the law.
He also urged the public not to speculate or circulate information that could reveal the victim’s identity.
“Public cooperation is essential to ensure the safety, privacy and welfare of the victim and to avoid compromising the investigation process,” he said. - September 3, 2026
