SEMPORNA: A 38-year-old diving instructor has been arrested here following a report of assault and criminal intimidation involving a foreigner.
Acting District Police Chief, DSP Jaafar Hakim, said the local was detained after police received a report lodged by a 34-year-old foreigner on Wednesday (July 23).
The victim claimed that he had been assaulted and threatened by the diving instructor.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident reportedly stemmed from a disagreement during a dive trip to Pulau Timba-Timba on Tuesday when a gas tank belonging to the victim accidentally fell and injured the suspect’s foot.
“The next day, the suspect, after receiving medical treatment in Tawau, returned to the tour company’s premises to confront the victim and allegedly demanded compensation,” he said.
According to Jaafar, during the confrontation, an argument broke out, and the suspect is accused of physically assaulting and threatening to injure the victim.
The case, which has since gone viral on social media, is being investigated under Sections 323 and 506 of the Penal Code.
Police are urging those who witnessed the incident to come forward to assist in investigation.
Any information can be conveyed to Sargeant Nurfazlina Abdullah at 019-8011009 or Semporna Police Headquarters at 089-782020.