Boat operator, assistant held for molesting tourists
KOTA KINABALU: Police detained a boat operator and his assistant for allegedly molesting two foreign tourists near Pulau Sapi on June 17.
City Police Chief ACP M. Chandra said the suspects, aged 25 and 23, were picked up by the police at the Jesselton Jetty on June 18, following a police report lodged by the victims.
According to the police report, the foreign women, who are sisters age 27 and 25, were on a boat with the suspects at Pulau Sapi for snorkeling activity when the incident happened.
“The victims claimed that they were molested by the suspects who had taken them on a boat ride for swimming and snorkeling activity,” said Chandra.
Both suspects have been remanded to facilitate police investigation under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force to a person with intent to outrage modesty.
Meanwhile, Chandra said between January and June this year, two police reports had been lodged by foreign tourists claiming that they were molested by boat operators while on vacation in resort island in Kota Kinabalu.
“Tour operators are advised to monitor and ensure their employees who are escorting foreign tourists during recreational activities in resort islands behave themselves to avoid unwanted incident that could bring a negative image to the tourism industry in the country.
“Employers must also ensure their boat operators are local citizens, have proper documents and well trained.
“Police are looking into these cases very seriously and we will not hesitate to take stern action against those involved,” said Chandra.