Police have arrested a 40-year-old man in Besut, Terengganu, over allegations that he raped and sexually assaulted his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
Besut deputy police chief Deputy Superintendent Md Sani Md Salleh said the local man was arrested at about 11.50am in Kampung Raja on Wednesday, following a report lodged over the alleged incident the same day.
A urine screening test conducted on the suspect also tested positive for methamphetamine, Md Sani said.
“The suspect will be brought before the Besut Magistrate’s Court for a remand application to assist with further investigations,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
The case is being investigated under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code and Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
If convicted under Section 376(3) of the Penal Code, the suspect faces between eight and 30 years in prison and at least 10 strokes of the cane.
Meanwhile, a conviction under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and whipping.
Md Sani said police take all reports involving sexual offences against children seriously and would take firm action in accordance with the law.
He also urged the public not to speculate about the case or share information that could reveal the victim’s identity.
“The cooperation of all parties is needed to ensure the victim’s safety, privacy and welfare, as well as to avoid compromising the investigation process,” he said.
