LAWAS — Police have arrested a 42-year-old man suspected of molesting his niece, a secondary school student, during her stay at his house over the weekend. The suspect was also found to possess a shotgun barrel and ammunition without a valid license.
Lawas District Police Chief, DSP Liong Tindan, said the suspect was detained at a residence in Jalan Lawas Damit after police received a report from the victim around 3.17pm last Sunday.
“Acting on the report, a team of officers raided the house and successfully arrested the suspect,” he said in a statement today.
Upon searching the premises, police discovered one shotgun barrel and three bullets. Checks revealed that the man had no valid firearms license.
“The suspect has been detained for further investigation,” DSP Liong added.
Police are investigating the case under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOCCA) 2017 for sexual assault against a child, and Section 8(a) of the Arms Act 1960 for unlawful possession of firearm components.
Investigations also revealed that the suspect had three previous criminal records, all related to drug offences.
Meanwhile, in a separate operation, police arrested another local man, aged 34, suspected of drug abuse at about 9.50pm the same night.
DSP Liong said that although nothing illegal was found during the search of the man’s house, car, and motorcycle, a urine test confirmed that he tested positive for amphetamine and methamphetamine.
“The second suspect did not have any previous criminal record. The case is being investigated under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) 1952,” he said.
Police reminded the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or criminal activities in their neighbourhoods to ensure community safety.
