Man caught committing repulsive act on CCTV, woman traumatised
Published on: Monday, May 20, 2024
By: Jonathan Nicholas
The alleged woman said she noticed the man speaking in a local dialect when talking on the phone while allegedly committing the repulsive act. (Photo: PDRM via NST)
Kota Kinabalu: A retail worker was left traumatised after a man allegedly entered a gadget shop in Plaza Menggatal, exposed himself and began masturbating in front of her last Wednesday (May 15).
The 21-year-old woman when contacted by the Daily Express said she was at the back of the shop in the 8.30 pm incident.
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“There were four other co-workers on duty at the time including two males but I was alone at the back," she said.
“I don’t know how he managed to come into the store like that. I was stunned and everything went numb when I realised what he was doing.
“After he knew I noticed, he still continued roaming around the shop and even called my male colleague for assistance. He didn’t end up buying anything and left.
“The whole ordeal lasted about 5 minutes…We did not chase him out of the shop in fear of him being aggressive or that he might have been carrying a concealed weapon."
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She said she noticed the man speaking in a local dialect when talking on the phone while allegedly committing the repulsive act.
Fearing for her safety, she lodged a police report on the same day.
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Kota Kinabalu Police Chief ACP Kasim Muda said an investigation has been launched under Section 509 of the Penal Code for insulting modesty.
“We are still tracking the suspect and are asking the members of the public with information to contact the nearest police station or investigating officer Audrea Johnson at 019-5209 0380,” he said in a statement on Monday.
“Retail workers cannot escape from being victims of sexual harassment. If it was verbal, I could have still defended myself but this…I didn’t know what to do," the woman added.
“The next day I couldn’t work and my supervisor was kind enough to give me the day off. I still do not dare go to the back of the shop."
The victim urged women to be brave and speak out against any sexual misconducts.
“Its easier said than done but if I could rewind time I would have confronted him. All women should when it comes to things like these."
When asked if it changed her perspective on men as a whole, she said she only blamed the individual.
“Its his own choice for being that way. Men also face sexual harassment. I don’t blame the gender, there are good men out there,” she said.
However, bringing the flasher to justice will not be easy as the only lead police have is the shop's CCTV footage.
Police told the victim to attempt a citizens arrest and call the police should the suspect return and resort to the power of social media for “exposure” of the alleged crime.
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