TAWAU: Police arrested a 59-year-old local man, believed to be the main suspect in a criminal intimidation case involving death threats sent via WhatsApp, in front of a building in the town centre here on Monday.
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said the suspect, an assistant finance manager, was detained at about 10.30am by a team from the District Criminal Investigation Division (BSJD).
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“Police took action to arrest the suspect as he is believed to have issued death threats against another employee following a work-related misunderstanding last week,” he said.
Jasmin said the incident stemmed from a dispute on April 30 at about 11.28am involving the 36-year-old victim and the suspect.
The victim claimed he received a voice message via WhatsApp at about 3.13am on Friday from the suspect, allegedly containing serious threats that raised concerns for his safety.
Fearing for his safety, the victim lodged a police report, prompting authorities to track down and arrest the suspect.
Police also seized a smartphone believed to have been used to send the threatening message.
The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Jasmin advised the public not to act rashly when facing conflicts, but to resolve disputes professionally.
“Any form of threat, whether verbal or through social media applications, is a serious offence and can lead to firm action by authorities,” he said.
