Police have arrested a 24-year-old local man less than eight hours after receiving a report involving the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl in Papar.
The suspect was detained in Kinarut at about 11.30pm yesterday, several hours after the victim lodged a police report at 4.20pm on the same day.
Papar District Police Chief Superintendent Heryan Mohd Tahir said preliminary investigations found that the victim alleged she had been subjected to the act in several incidents believed to have occurred between March and July this year.
He said the Papar District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division immediately launched investigations after receiving the report and managed to track down the suspect on the same night.
“The case is being investigated under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code.
“The victim has been referred to the hospital for a medical examination, while the suspect will be remanded to assist with investigations,” he said when contacted today.
Heryan added that police had also recorded statements from witnesses and conducted checks at relevant locations as part of efforts to complete the investigation.
He stressed that police take all sexual offence cases seriously, especially those involving children and underage victims.
“Parents and guardians are advised to monitor their children’s interactions, including their activities on social media, and immediately report to police if they suspect any form of crime or sexual exploitation,” he said.
The public was also reminded not to speculate or share the victim’s identity as such actions could interfere with investigations and violate the victim’s privacy rights.
Heryan said investigations are still ongoing and anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact investigating officer Inspector Desmond Tanggapan at 019-4883322 or visit the nearest police station to assist with the probe.
