18-Year-Old Remanded Over Alleged Rape of 14-Year-Old Student in Tawau

An 18-year-old coffee shop worker has been remanded for five days to assist police investigations into the alleged rape of his 14-year-old girlfriend, a Form Two student, in Tawau, Sabah.

The remand order, issued by Magistrate Dayang Aidaku Amira Aminuddin, allows investigators to gather further evidence in a case involving an alleged incident in September. Police had initially requested seven days of remand, while the defence asked for a shorter period.

Alleged Rape

According to the investigation, the girl’s mother became suspicious after discovering a used condom in her daughter’s bedroom on October 8.

The following day, she reportedly found another condom and lubricant in the student’s schoolbag. The girl subsequently told her mother that she had engaged in sexual intercourse with the suspect on September 26. Her mother then lodged a police report, leading to the suspect’s arrest.

The suspect is being investigated under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which concerns rape. His lawyer reportedly argued that the pair were in a relationship and requested leniency in the remand period. The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations have yet to be determined by a court.

The case highlights the importance of safeguarding minors and ensuring suspected sexual offences involving children are investigated thoroughly.