KOTA KINABALU, June 10 ― Four foreigners who just over a week ago allegedly stripped naked for photographs on Mount Kinabalu will now have to don the loose purple lock-up uniform for the next four days while under police remand.
According to investigating officer Jafri Abdul Halim, the four ― two Canadian male and female aged 23 and 22, a British female aged 24 and a Dutch male aged 23 ― were each given four-day remand orders beginning today.
“The remand was approved by Ranau-based magistrate Dzul Elmy,” he said when met at the Kota Kinabalu court today.
Full investigations will be conducted by Ranau police under Section 294(a) of the Penal code for public indecency.
The offence carries a sentence of up to three months jail or fine or both if convicted.
The suspects are being represented by counsel Ronny Cham.
Earlier today, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman confirmed the arrest of the four, saying police arrested the British woman yesterday while the three others surrendered yesterday.
A police report lodged by Sabah Parks staff alleged that 10 tourists had stripped and posed naked for photos on mount Kinabalu's peak.
The tourists had reportedly rebuffed their local guide who tried to stop them, telling him to “go to hell”.
The act has angered natives who believe that the mountain is sacred and carries the spirit of their ancestors.
Deputy chief minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan has since blamed a 5.9 magnitude earthquake which has so far killed at least 18 people on the indecent act.
On Monday, one European male was arrested and released when found to not be part of those who stripped.
