KOTA KINABALU: A foreign man has been arrested for allegedly raping his 15-year-old stepdaughter for at least five years after the teen shared her ordeal with an aunt.
Tawau district police chief Asst Comm Jasmin Hussin said the 35-year-old suspect was picked up by a team from the Kalabakan police station on Thursday afternoon (Nov 28) following a report lodged by the victim’s aunt.
He said the victim had disclosed the abuse to her aunt while seeking treatment at the Tawau Hospital for a stomach ache on Tuesday (Nov 26).
"The teenager confided in her aunt after being informed of her health status.
"Initial investigations revealed that the alleged rapes happened since the victim was 11 years old, with the most recent incident taking place last month at the suspect’s house," ACP Jasmin said in a statement on Friday (Nov 29).
The case is investigated under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, which carries up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
"The investigation is also being conducted in accordance with Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959," said ACP Jasmin.
He urged the public to be vigilant and report any signs of sexual abuse to protect the vulnerable, especially children and teenagers.
