KOTA KINABALU: Police have detained a 32-year-old undocumented migrant at a plantation building in Sabah’s southern Kalabakan district on suspicion of raping his nine-year-old stepdaughter.
The suspect allegedly committed the offence some months back when the victim was in his care after he divorced her mother, Tawau OCPD Asst Comm Jasmin Hussin said on Monday (Jan 27).
He said the victim told her mother on Jan 20 during a visit, and the woman lodged a police report on Saturday (Jan 25).
“Initial investigations found that the mother delayed reporting the incident after her ex-husband threatened to kill the child if she spoke up,” he added.
The suspect was then arrested on the same day the report was lodged, he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 376 (1) of the Penal Code for rape, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years' jail and caning upon conviction.
"I would like to urge the public to remain vigilant towards domestic violence and child abuse.
"Report any cases to us immediately so that action can be taken. You could save a life," ACP Jasmin said.
