JOHOR BARU: Johor police rescued a 15-year-old girl from her alleged kidnapper who had tried to hide her in Kuantan, Pahang, within 24 hours of her father filing a report yesterday.
The victim, a student at a Singapore school, was found at a place in Kuantan, while a Chinese national male, aged 22, who was also present was arrested.
Her 48-year-old Chinese national father lodged a police report yesterday, (Nov 26) when his daughter did not turn up at her school in Singapore.
Johor police chief Datuk M. Kumar said initial investigations revealed the girl was brought into the country via the Johor Causeway from Singapore, through the Woodlands checkpoint on Nov 24.
"Acting on intelligence and public tip-offs, police's Criminal Investigation Division detectives raided a premises in Kuantan, yesterday.
"We arrested the Chinese national male and seized several items believed used in the abduction of the minor, including mobile phones, clothing, and equipment linked to the case," Kumar said in a statement today.
He declined to elaborate as investigations were underway.
The victim has been admitted to a hospital and is expected to be kept warded for observation.
Police obtained a seven-day remand order on the alleged abductor to facilitate investigations under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for physical sexual assault, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
Kumar said investigations under Section 48(2) of the Child Act 2001 for concealing a child and Section 361 of the Penal Code for kidnapping from lawful guardianship, were also ongoing.
He called on for those with relevant information to contact the police hotline at 019-2792095.