Rohingya refugees held for alleged rape

MELAKA: Two Rohingya refugees, including a teenager, have been apprehended in connection with the alleged rape of a 15-year-old girl. State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Zainol Samah said another suspect, a 27-year-old man, is still at large.

The arrest followed a police report filed by the victim’s 22-year-old brother on Sept 15 at the Batang Tiga police station here. According to the brother’s statement, his 15-year-old sister left home at 2pm on Sept 14 and was subsequently assaulted.

DCP Zainol told reporters yesterday that the preliminary investigations showed the victim had befriended the teenage suspect through social media on Sept 13.

The following day, the teenager invited her to meet him and then took her on a motorcycle to rendezvous with the older suspect at a restaurant in Klebang, he said.

The two men then allegedly went with the victim to a beach, where the assault took place, before abandoning her at a playground in Batu Berendam.

The victim was left to wander the area until she was discovered by her brother’s friends.

DCP Zainol said the two suspects, who are United Nations High Commission for Refugees card holders, have been remanded for seven days to assist in the investigation under Section 376 of the Penal Code, which carries up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.