KUCHING – A primary school administrative assistant was arrested on November 17 after 12 reports were filed against him for allegedly molesting 15 special needs students.
Sarawak police commissioner Dato Mancha Ata said the suspect, who is in his 40s, is currently being remanded for investigation under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792).
“The victims are those who have been identified to be children with disabilities, including learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and autism,” Mancha told a press conference at the Sarawak Police Contingent Headquarters here, this morning.
Under the act, the suspect could face up to 20 years in prison and caning upon conviction.
Mancha said the suspect could also face an additional imprisonment term of up to five years and not less than two strokes of the rotan under Section 16 of the same act.
He added that the public should be more aware and concerned about cases involving sexual offences against children, as they could cause the victims long-term emotional and psychological issues if not properly addressed.
He said under Section 19 of the same act, those who fail to report any sexual offences against children can be fined up to RM5,000.
In a separate case, a secondary school teacher, who is also a prefect coordinator, was arrested yesterday.
“The arrest was made following three police reports that were received against him for allegedly molesting three victims aged between 14 and 15 years old.”
He added that the suspect, who is in his 40s, is currently being detained for investigations under Section 14(a), Section 14(c), Section 15(f), and Section 16 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792).
The police did not disclose whether the suspects are from the same school. – November 24, 2023