Divemaster nabbed for molesting tourist in Semporna

KOTA KINABALU: Police have arrested a 27-year-old local divemaster for allegedly molesting a tourist while diving in waters off Semporna.

Acting Semporna OCPD Asst Supt Arif Abdul Razak said that the tourist from China claimed that she was molested by the freelance divemaster at about 1pm on May 5.

The incident went viral on social media when it was shared on Facebook with alleged screenshots of conversations between the victim and the accused as well as a picture of the woman being kissed by the accused.

ASP Arif said in a statement on Monday (May 8) that the victim lodged a complaint with Semporna police before flying back to her hometown in China.

He said that the freelance divemaster was arrested at 12.50am on May 7 at a house in a water village in the district.

ASP Arif said police were investigating the case under Section 354 of the Penal Code for using criminal force to outrage the modesty of the woman.

He said the suspect has been remanded until May 11 to facilitate investigations.