JOHOR BARU: Police have arrested an e-hailing driver in connection with a viral video alleging sexual misconduct against a female passenger.
Johor police chief Comm Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad said that the woman, a Vietnamese national, lodged a report on Wednesday (Feb 4).
"Following the report, a 26-year-old local man was taken into custody here for further investigation," he said, adding that the video was reportedly circulated on social media from Monday (Feb 2).
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Comm Ab Rahaman added that police also seized two mobile phones, a car and a remote control from the suspect.
"The suspect was presented in the Johor Baru Magistrate’s Court today, where a three-day remand order was approved until this Saturday (Feb 7)," he said here on Thursday (Feb 5).
Comm Ab Rahaman said the case is being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a person’s modesty.
He advised the public to remain vigilant and prioritise personal safety and encouraged them to report any criminal activity to Johor police via its hotline at 019-2792095 or its operations room at 07-2212999.
On Tuesday (Feb 3), the Transport Ministry announced that the e-hailing driver who allegedly sexually harassed a passenger would have his Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence cancelled.
"The cancellation of the PSV licence means that the driver is no longer allowed to operate as a driver on any e-hailing platform," the ministry said.
ALSO READ: Transport Ministry cancels PSV licence of e-hailing driver who sexually harassed passenger
An individual claiming to be the passenger's sibling uploaded two videos on social media along with details of the ride.
According to the post, the incident occurred while the passenger was travelling from Taman Mount Austin to a mall near the Causeway.
In the video, the driver's arm is seen reaching for the passenger's thigh while he can be heard asking in Mandarin: "How old are you this year? Can you speak Mandarin?"
The passenger uses her hand to protect herself from the driver's grasp and does not respond.
