KUCHING: A teacher and a student management assistant from different schools in Serian, have been arrested for alleged involvement in sexual assault cases.
The suspects, both in their 40s, are now in custody to facilitate investigations for incidents involving a total of 18 students aged between 10 and 15.
Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Mancha Ata said the first case involved a teacher who is also the prefect teacher coordinator at the school.
“Three police reports were filed on Nov 22 by three students aged between 14 and 15, alleging sexual assault by the suspect.
“Following that, the suspect was arrested yesterday (Nov 23) and he is remanded until Dec 1 to aid ongoing investigations,” he told a press conference at the Sarawak IPK this morning.
Meanwhile, the second case involved a student management assistant who faces similar allegations.
Mancha added that they received 12 police reports from guardians to and teachers of 15 victims between Nov 16 and Nov 22.
“All the victims aged between 10 and 14, are special needs students with learning problems, physical challenges and autism.
“The suspect was arrested on Nov 17 and he will remain in remand custody until Dec 1 to facilitate investigations,” he said.
Both cases are being investigated under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act (SOACA) 2017 and Section 14(c) of the same Act for committing physical sexual assault on children, which carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and the rotan, upon conviction.
Mancha said the first case involving the prefect teacher coordinator, is also being investigated under Section 15(f) of SOACA 2017 for non-physical sexual assault on children — making children engage in an activity that is sexual in nature.
If found guilty, the suspect may face a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine.
“Both the suspects have a relationship of trust with the victims, as defined under Section 16 of SOACA 2017, which implies that the victim is under the care, supervision, or authority of the teacher or staff.
“Under Section 16, it stipulates an additional prison sentence of up to five years and a maximum of two strokes of the cane, if found guilty,” he said.
Mancha urged the public to remain vigilant and attentive to such cases as it could have long-term emotional and mental repercussions on the children if such incidents are not addressed promptly.
Those failing to report information regarding sexual offences against children, may face fines of up to RM5,000 under Section 19 of SOACA 2017.
Also present were Sarawak Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Ibrahim Darus and Sarawak Criminal Investigation Department (CID) chief SAC Wong Ing Fung.
