Man Arrested for Allegedly Molesting Shop Worker in Kanowit

KANOWIT, Oct 30: Police have arrested a 51-year-old man for allegedly molesting a female shop employee at a local store on Wednesday morning (Oct 29).

Kanowit deputy OCPD Deputy Supt Junical Ujal said the incident occurred at around 9.30am while the victim, a local woman, was performing her duties at the shop.

“The suspect, who was known to the victim, suddenly approached her, touched her shoulder, and then grabbed her left breast while uttering obscene words,” Junical said in a statement on Thursday.

Shocked by the assault, the victim immediately pushed the man away and ran to the front of the shop to seek help before lodging a police report.

Junical said CCTV footage from the premises confirmed that the incident had been recorded, enabling police to identify the suspect.

“Acting on the information received, a team of officers arrested the 51-year-old man shortly afterwards,” he added.

Police also seized several items believed to have been worn by the suspect during the incident, including a black-and-blue shirt, a pair of long trousers, black underwear, and a hat.

“Initial investigations revealed that the suspect, who is unemployed, has admitted to committing the act,” Junical said.

Police are now seeking a remand order to facilitate further investigation under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force on a person with intent to outrage modesty.