NIBONG TEBAL: Police's investigation into a man, detained in connection with alleged lewd behaviour against a female journalist during the Sungai Bakap by-election campaign, is in its final stage.
State police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad said they were completing the investigation paper before referring it to the Deputy Public Prosecutor's office for further action.
"We have recorded statements from three individuals to assist in the investigation.
"The suspect, in his 30s, has been remanded until today. We are awaiting further action on whether to extend his remand or otherwise.
"Today, the suspect was subjected to an identification parade by the victim and witnesses," he told a press conference held for the Sungai Bakap by-election at the Seberang Prai Selatan district police headquarters here today.
He said police were investigating the man's role and motive in the incident.
Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail assured that police would conduct a thorough investigation after a journalist lodged a report accusing a man of lewd behaviour during a press conference.
According to the female journalist's report, she alleged that during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's press conference in Sungai Kechil on Wednesday night, she sensed unusual movements behind her.
When she turned around, she claimed to have spotted a man who was not affiliated with the press corps engaging in lewd behaviour.
The incident occurred while Zahid was campaigning for Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Joohari Ariffin in the Sungai Bakap by-election.
Upon noticing the act, the journalist informed a photographer who confronted the man.
According to Hamzah, the case is being investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955.