LAHAD DATU: A 13-year-old was among six suspects arrested to assist in the investigation of a rape case involving an underage girl on the east coast of Lahad Datu district.
Lahad Datu OCPD Asst Comm Dzulbaharin Ismail said the suspects were arrested following a rape report involving a secondary school student earlier this month.
He said the investigation found that the victim involved was 15 years old.
"The case, which is believed to have taken place early this year, was reported to have happened at the victim's house and inside a vehicle.
"We found that it involved six suspects including a 13-year-old boy," ACP Dzulbaharin said in a statement on Wednesday (May 8).
He said all the suspects had been remanded to help with the probe.
"Urine tests conducted on all the suspects came back negative for any drug abuse," he added.
ACP Dzulbaharin said investigations were being carried for statutory rape under Section 376 of the Penal Code which carries a prison sentence of 10 to 30 years and whipping upon conviction.
He advised the community, especially parents and guardians, to constantly monitor their children's movements and the people around them.
"Parents must also monitor their children's phones (to see) what is being shared or uploaded to avoid unwanted incidents," he added.
"Intimate relationships involving minors is an offence under the law even if it is consensual," he added.
