SEMPORNA: A local scuba diving instructor has been arrested after allegedly assaulting and threatening a 34-year-old tourist following a dispute stemming from a diving trip incident.
The altercation traces back to Tuesday (July 22), when both men were on board a boat heading towards the waters off Pulau Timba-Timba for a scuba diving session. During the trip, the tourist’s oxygen tank accidentally toppled over and landed on the instructor’s foot, which caused him to become upset.
The situation escalated the next day when the 38-year-old instructor, after receiving medical treatment at Tawau Hospital, returned to the tour company to confront the tourist and demand compensation. A heated argument ensued, during which the suspect allegedly assaulted the man and threatened further harm.
A video of the altercation has since gone viral on social media. In the footage, the instructor is seen slapping the tourist in the face while arguing with him and a woman believed to be accompanying the tourist.
The trio were speaking in Mandarin during the exchange. After being slapped, the tourist is heard asking someone off-camera, “Have you called the police?” Meanwhile, the woman can be heard repeatedly telling the instructor, “Does it have anything to do with us?”
Semporna acting OCPD Deputy Supt Jaafar Hakim confirmed that the suspect was arrested and the case is being investigated under Sections 323 and 506 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt and criminal intimidation.
Police are urging eyewitnesses to come forward and assist in the investigation. Those with information are asked to contact investigating officer Sergeant Nurfazlina Abdullah at 019-8011009 or the Semporna district police headquarters at 089-782020, or visit any nearby police station.
