PETALING JAYA: The Tawau sessions court today sentenced a tour guide to eight years in jail and two strokes of the cane for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl during a snorkelling session in Pulau Kapalai, Semporna, last week.
Bara Madasah, 18, pleaded guilty after the charge was read out by judge Rosli Ahmad, Berita Harian reported.
He was charged under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.
According to the facts of the case, the teenager from Klang, Selangor, was visiting several islands and resorts in Semporna with her family, using a tour agent’s services.
During the snorkelling activity on July 3, the accused, who is also an undocumented foreigner, allegedly sexually assaulted the victim at 1.49pm, an act recorded on the girl’s camera.
The victim was uncomfortable with the accused’s actions and confronted him but was ignored. She then notified her family members and filed a police report.
The court also ordered the accused to be referred to the immigration department for deportation to his home country after serving his sentence.
The case was prosecuted by Nur Intan Jamrin.
