KOTA KINABALU: A debt over plumbing repairs is believed to be the cause of a man slashing a 16-year-old girl at a house in Nosoob, Penampang, near here on Thursday (May 7).
Penampang OCPD chief Supt Sammy Newton said initial investigations found that the 29-year-old suspect came to the victim’s house to meet her sister-in-law and demand outstanding payment for pipe repair work.
He said at the time of the incident, around 12:30 pm, the victim was at home minding her young nephew while her sister-in-law was at work.
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"The victim was holding a knife while preparing food in the kitchen. The suspect claimed she uttered harsh words, which angered him.
"He then grabbed the knife from the victim before slashing her neck and pushing her against the bathroom wall, causing injuries to her head and neck," he said in a statement on Friday (May 8).
He added that the suspect fled the scene but was arrested at 5.50pm near Jalan Pekan Kinarut Lama in Papar.
"Checks found that the suspect had no identification documents, and a urine test came back positive for methamphetamine.
"The case is being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder," he said.
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The victim, a foreigner, sustained slash wounds on her neck as well as head injuries.
Supt Sammy said the girl was in stable condition at Queen Elizabeth Hospital here.
He urged the public not to speculate on the incident or spread false information as it could disrupt police investigations.
Any information related to the case can be channelled to Penampang district CID senior investigating officer Asst Supt Hairie Awang Akub at 016-8032849.
