Three immigrants were arrested in separate incidents over the past several days in the Tawau district for various offences, including criminal threats and immigration-related violations.
In the first case, a man in his 30s was arrested on Friday evening in Kampung Merotai Besar for allegedly threatening and blackmailing a former acquaintance using her personal videos and photos. Tawau district police chief Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin said the suspect had demanded money from a woman in her 20s and threatened to circulate the materials if payment was not made by 10.35am.
“The victim claimed the suspect frequently contacted her late at night, causing distress and disrupting her peace and family harmony,” he said.
Police believe the woman had paid the suspect some money before deciding to lodge a report for her safety. The suspect was arrested at about 5.45pm the same day.
In a separate case, an 18-year-old was arrested at Kampung Haji Sundu Batu 2, Jalan Apas, for allegedly threatening a friend via WhatsApp. The victim claimed the suspect made demands and threatened to harm him if he failed to comply.
ACP Jasmin said the victim promptly lodged a police report after fearing for his safety, leading to the suspect’s arrest shortly after.
Both suspects will be investigated for criminal intimidation and offences under the Immigration Act, ACP Jasmin said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 1).
In another incident, an elderly woman in her 80s was arrested after she was found using another person’s identification document while seeking medical treatment at a hospital in Tawau.
A hospital staff member became suspicious of the MyKad presented and escorted the woman to the National Registration Department for verification. The card was later confirmed to belong to another individual.
ACP Jasmin said the woman was brought to the police station and is being investigated under Regulation 25(1)(e) of the National Registration Regulations 1990 for using or possessing another person’s identity card, as well as under the Immigration Act. The MyKad was confiscated for further investigation.
