Unemployed man arrested in Kuantan over alleged sexual assault of 12-year-old boy

POLICE in Kuantan have arrested a 25-year-old unemployed man to assist in investigations into an alleged sexual assault involving a 12-year-old boy.

Pahang Police Chief Datuk Seri Yahaya Othman said the suspect was detained at his home at 11.15am yesterday following the reported incident, which is believed to have taken place around 8pm the previous evening.

“The incident is believed to have occurred when the boy was in the vicinity of some shop lots. The suspect allegedly stopped the victim before taking him to a nearby bushy area, where the assault is thought to have taken place,” he said.

He added that police are continuing their investigation and that arrangements are being made to refer the victim to hospital for further examination.

“However, investigations are still ongoing, and police are in the process of referring the victim to hospital for further checks,” Yahaya said.

He spoke to reporters after officiating at the rank decoration ceremony for Jerantut District Police Chief Superintendent Mohd Azahari Mukhtar and Pahang Criminal Investigation Department (Legal Investigation) Deputy Chief Superintendent Maziah Hamzah.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect has a previous criminal record related to sexual assault and narcotics offences.

Yahaya confirmed that police have applied for a remand order against the suspect to facilitate further investigations. - November 5, 2025