Most of the time, we go about our daily lives without incidents. However, we can’t deny that they do happen. And these ‘incidents’ aren’t always pleasant.
On Saturday (19th February), a woman decided to go shopping at a shopping mall in Sri Hartamas. Unfortunately, her day quickly got disrupted when she was sexually assaulted in the toilet.
According to Harian Metro, the incident had occurred around 3:15pm. The 29-year-old lady had gone to the toilet, with her friend waiting outside in the mall’s corridor. However, just as she left the washroom, a Bangladeshi male worker suddenly pulled her into a storage room opposite the toilet.
The woman had tried to scream for help, but the worker had covered her mouth and continued molesting her. An unnamed source claimed she fought her attacker several times until she managed to save herself. Unfortunately, she didn’t walk away unscathed.
“Because of the incident, she had bruises on her thighs,” the source stated. “(She later) came forward to lodge a police report for further action (to be taken).” Sexual, Women and Child Investigation Division (D11) principal assistant director Siti Kamsiah Hassan has confirmed that a report was made. According to her, it is currently being investigated under Section 354 of the Penal Code.
Sexual assault isn’t something to be taken lightly as it always leaves more than physical marks. We hope the lady is doing better and is getting the support she needs.
Update (Monday, 28th February 2022, 1:30pm):
According to the mall in Sri Hartamas, the incident did not take place at 3pm. It actually took place at 3:15am, when the mall was closed. Additionally, the woman involved in the incident was not a customer, but a fellow employee of the premises. However, this does not excuse the incident in the slightest.
The mall is prioritizing the safety of their employees and customers by implementing additional security measures. They are also currently cooperating with authorities to investigate the issue. The full statement from Hartamas Shopping Centre reads:
Sources: Sin Chew, China Press, Harian Metro
