MUAR: A local man has been detained for allegedly raping a minor at a hotel near here.
Muar OCPD Asst Comm Raiz Mukhliz Azman Aziz said the police have opened an investigation paper on the incident which took place on Saturday (March 14).
“The suspect, who is in his 20s, and the 14-year-old girl were found in a compromising position at a hotel room at 8.30am during a raid by the Johor Islamic Religious Department (Jainj),’’ he said in a statement.
ACP Raiz Mukhliz said the raid was conducted following tip-off from the public and the duo was believed to have engaged in suspicious activity.
He said they have been detained by Jainj under the Section 27 of the Johor State Syariah Criminal Offences Enactment related to the offence of khalwat.
“We have detained the suspect to assist with investigation and the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code,’’ he said.
Section 376 of the Penal Code addresses the punishment for rape, defining it as sexual intercourse without consent, or with a girl under 16 years of age (statutory rape), even if consent is given.
This offence, particularly Section 376(1), carries a penalty of up to 20 years in jail and whipping.
