A local freelance divemaster in Sabah was recently arrested for allegedly harassing a woman from China while underwater.
Acting district police chief Assistant Superintendent Arif Abdul Razak said the incident reportedly took place at a tourist area off Semporna on the afternoon of May 5.
“The complainant lodged a report on May 6 before going to Tawau airport and flying off to her country.
“The suspect is a 27-year-old local who works as a freelance divemaster at a dive centre here. He was arrested on May 7 about 12.50am in Semporna,” he said in a statement.
The incident went viral on social media when a Facebook group shared a post containing an image of the lady who was kissed while submerged, a police statement, and snapshots of the conversation between the victim and the instructor.
According to reports, the victim mentioned that apart from the underwater kiss, the dive expert persistently contacted her through WeChat after they returned to the shore, inquiring about her hotel address and proposing a night out. The victim also uploaded a photograph of the police statement she filed against the diving expert.
“I don’t want them. I just want to spend time with you only… Don’t be shy. I already [rented] this car for us,” some of the text messages read.
Arif stated that the incident is being probed under Section 354 of the Penal Code, which addresses assault or the use of unlawful force on an individual with the intention to violate the victim’s modesty.
If found guilty, he may be sentenced to a maximum of 10 years in prison, a monetary penalty, corporal punishment, or any combination of these penalties.
The 27-year-old is currently under custody until 11 May to aid in the investigation process.
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