Unduk Ngadau participant files report claiming she was sexually molested by pageant official

KOTA KINABALU: An Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen) participant has lodged a report claiming she was sexually molested by a pageant official, who is also a politician.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said they were looking into the report but could not divulge any details.

"If there is a report of sexual harassment, we will of course investigate and take necessary action," he said.

Comm Hazani also said police could still take action if the report is withdrawn, and any complainant who withdraws a report could be investigated as well.

He also said a fair and just investigation would be conducted as no one was above the law.

According to a copy of the report lodged on May 21, which has since gone viral, the complainant claimed that the man had asked her to follow him in his car to go for dinner after a pageant-related photoshoot on May 19.

She claimed that when in the car, the man tried to lay his hands over her neck, legs and hands and she had to continuously stop him from doing so.

She said the man continued to harass her in the car after dinner and took her to his old office where he continued his advances despite her protests.

She claimed she was lodging the report for her own safety and that of other Unduk Ngadau pageant participants.

The person in this case is believed to be involved in the technical side of the pageant.

Attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

Unduk Ngadau Borderless Kaamatan 2021 chairperson Joanna Kitingan declined to comment and said that it was best to leave it to the police to investigate.

"We did our best to organise this Unduk Ngadau 2021. Each district coordinator also carried out their duties. This has been one of the most challenging times," she said, referring to holding the event under Covid-19 SOPs.