KOTA KINABALU, Feb 14 — Police are investigating a Uber driver here after a woman passenger accused him of playing with his penis during a recent ride.
Kota Kinabalu city police chief assistant commissioner M. Chandra said the complainant in the case was a 25-year-old local housewife who was carrying her four-month old baby with her on the Uber ride visiting the Likas Women and Children’s hospital.
“She said she had taken the Uber ride from the hospital to her home in Lido at about 10.30am when the driver of the white Axia, who did not speak to her at all, touched himself and showed his penis to her,” Chandra said.
Out of fear and anxiety, she abandoned her journey before reaching her destination and got an alternative ride home.
She lodged a police report later in the day and also reported the incident to Uber.
The case has gained traction on social media after the complainant also shared her experience and the driver’s car registration details.
According to a screen grab posted by the victim, the driver used a Perodua Axia and has been rated 4.59 out of a total five stars on the ride sharing app.
However, the 35-year-old accused, a local Chinese, has also stepped forward and lodged a police report denying the incident took place as alleged.
Chandra said the case has been classified under Section 509 of the Penal Code for intention of insulting modesty through words or gestures.
In a Facebook post which has since gone been removed, the victim claimed the driver initially placed his hands inside his trousers but she only thought that he was just adjusting his private part.
“I had no idea he was holding his penis, when he took it out just a little (at this time we were near to Likas Masjid) by rubbing it gently. Cause the first and second time he put his hands on his pants I thought he was just feeling itchy or the pants/belt too tight.
“I was too frightened and shaken by the incident that I cried silently without saying anything. I did post (what was happening) on Facebook and texted my husband to ask for help. He called me and I try to sound calm as I didn’t want him (driver) to suspect anything,” the mobile phone post said.
