KUANTAN: A temple priest suspected of committing sexual offences against two male victims including a juvenile, was arrested at his house here yesterday.
The 40-year-old suspect was picked up by police several hours after both the victims, aged 16 and 21 years old respectively lodged a report against him.
Sources said one of the victims had been enduring the sexual harassment since he began working at the temple in 2022 but claimed he did not tell anyone of the incidents as the job at the temple was his only source of income.
"The suspect allegedly threatened the victim not to tell others about the incident and he (victim) continued to work in fear. He only came forward to lodge a police report after he quit the job.
"The other victim claimed he was sexually assaulted last month and lodged a police report as he was emotionally disturbed," said the source, adding the incidents allegedly occurred in a room within the temple premises.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Mohd Zahari Wan Busu confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect has been remanded until March 18 for investigations.
He said the case was being investigated under Section 14(d) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 and Section 354 of the Penal Code for outraging modesty.
