Sarawak school alert leads to arrest of palm worker, 28, after Year Six girl found pregnant

KABONG, Nov 14 — Sarawak police have arrested a 28-year-old man after a 12-year-old Year Six pupil was found to be pregnant, Berita Harian reported last night.

The case came to light when the girl’s mother took her to school to inform the management of the pregnancy, Saratok district police chief Deputy Superintendent Mathew Manggie said.

“The victim admitted to having sexual relations three times in mid-June,” he was quoted as saying.

The woman also reportedly told the school that she wanted her daughter to stop schooling so she could marry the suspect.

The school head instead referred the matter to the district education office, which directed that a police report be lodged as the victim is underage.

Initial investigations found that the suspect, an oil palm plantation worker, had known the girl since mid-2025, Mathew said.

“The victim realised she was pregnant about a week before telling her mother on November 11,” he added.

Acting on the police report, a team from the Saratok district criminal investigation division arrested the suspect at a longhouse in Kabong, he said.

Mathew said the case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code.

The offence of rape is defined under Section 375 of the Penal Code, which treats sex with a girl under 16 as rape regardless of consent, while Section 376 provides for imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.

*If you are experiencing sexual violence, the following hotlines offer free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); All Women’s Action Society at 016-2374221 / 016-2284221 (9.30am-5.30pm); and Women’s Aid Organisation (WAO) at 03-30008858 or SMS/WhatsApp TINA 018-9888058 (24/7)

** If you suspect child abuse, call the following hotlines for free and confidential support: Talian Kasih at 15999 or WhatsApp 019-2615999 (24/7); Talian BuddyBear at 1800-18-2327(BEAR) (noon-midnight daily); and One Crisis Centre (24/7) Wilayah Persekutuan at 03-26155555 (Kuala Lumpur General Hospital), 03-61454333 (Sungai Buloh Hospital) or 03-83124200 (Putrajaya Hospital).