POLICE in Tawau have apprehended a foreign national following the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl at a plantation workers’ housing estate on Monday.

The incident occurred at approximately 11pm as the teenager was walking home after attending a wedding feast.

It is alleged that the victim was intercepted and forcibly pulled into a house by a suspect known to her before being sexually assaulted.

Tawau District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Jasmin Hussin confirmed that the victim’s stepfather lodged a formal report at 12.55am on Monday upon being informed of the ordeal.

Preliminary investigations suggest the assailant used a cloth to gag the victim, preventing her from crying out for help.

Following the report, a foreign labourer in his 20s was detained at 12.10am in front of the workers’ housing area in Brumas, Jasmin stated in a press release today.

Law enforcement officials have seized several items from the scene, including clothing and a mattress believed to be linked to the crime, to assist with the ongoing forensic process.

The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape, and further inquiries are currently being conducted, Jasmin added. – May 12, 2026