AUTHORITIES in Keningau, Sabah are investigating a case where five teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday afternoon at an unnumbered residence in a rural village.
Keningau District Police Chief Supt Yampil Anak Garai, confirming the arrests, said a report was lodged by the victim's parent who had sought her child’s whereabouts around 6pm that evening.
Upon inquiry, the parent learned that the girl had been seen at a relative's house in the company of several males.
Arriving at the location, the complainant reportedly witnessed the suspects fleeing the scene. They were later called back to account for their actions.
"During questioning, one of the boys confessed to having sexual intercourse with the victim," Daily Express reported Yampil saying.
"Another suspect, along with two other teens, admitted to inappropriate physical contact with her, while a fifth individual had also confessed to sexual acts with the child."
Preliminary findings indicate that the young victim, a primary school student and the younger of two siblings, had been attending a family wedding before the incident occurred.
The victim and a friend had reportedly visited their aunt’s home—located in a farming village—to rest following the wedding festivities. However, unknowingly, they were being followed by the suspects.
According to police reports, the suspects allegedly coerced the victim’s friend into returning to the wedding venue, leaving the 12-year-old alone in the house.
It was then that the sexual assault reportedly took place in an empty room on the ground floor, while the house owner—a relative of the victim—was away.
"The location is situated in an agricultural area with little surrounding activity during that time," added Yampil.
Details of the suspects have not been disclosed as investigations are ongoing.
Authorities are urging members of the public to refrain from speculation while they work to establish a comprehensive account of events. - June 25, 2026
