Ampang police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail. -NSTP FILE/FATHIL ASRI
Ampang police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail. -NSTP FILE/FATHIL ASRI

KUALA LUMPUR: Police earlier this month arrested a man and his 17-year-old son for allegedly kidnapping a 13-year-old Myanmar girl whom the younger man had wanted to marry.

Ampang police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azam Ismail said father and son, both of whom are United Nations High Commission for Refugees card holders, were arrested on Dec 7 at a house in Jalan Memanda.

"When we raided the house, we found the victim together with the suspects. It is believed the younger suspect had wanted to marry the victim but her family did not approve of this," he said in a statement.

Azam said, when the girl's family refused to agree to the marriage, the younger man and his 37-year-old father plotted to run off with the 13-year-old.

The case came to light when the girl's elder brother lodged a police report.

"The 17-year-old suspect has a criminal record. Both suspects tested negative for drug use," he said, adding that police seized two handphones from the duo to facilitate investigations.

Azam said the duo are currently detained under remand order until Dec 22.

The case is being investigated under Section 363 of the Penal Code for kidnapping. Anyone found guilty under the section can be sentenced to up to seven years' imprisonment and a fine.