KOTA KINABALU: A “tour guide” was arrested for allegedly sexually harassing two tourists from China during a snorkelling and fishing trip in Semporna.
Semporna OCPD Supt Mohd Farhan Lee said the two victims – aged 18 and 22 – lodged a police report over the incident that occurred in waters off one of the islands in the district on Sunday.
He said police picked up the suspect from his workplace on the Semporna mainland.
The 20-year-old, he said, did not have any identity documents or work permit.
He said police were investigating the case for outraging modesty under Section 354 of the Penal Code and also under the Immigration Act for entering and staying in Malaysia without valid documents.
He said the suspect faces up to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine, or caning if found guilty of sexual harassment.
Supt Farhan said police also arrested the 37-year-old manager of a tour company for employing a tour guide without any identification or travel documents.
He said the manager was being investigated under Section 55B of the Immigration Act.
If convicted, the suspect faces a fine of not less than RM10,000, a prison term of not more than 12 months, or both.
He said both the suspect and the manager have been remanded for four days.
He advised all employers, including tourism companies, to ensure that all their workers have proper documentation or a valid permit, as they could face action.
“They must comply with all existing laws in the country,” he added.
