KUALA LUMPUR – A former national basketball athlete has been arrested and is under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing students at an international school here.
Cheras police chief Aidil Bolhassan told Scoop that the 36-year-old suspect was tracked down and arrested at his residence in Cheras after several reports were made by the parents of the school, where the suspect taught basketball classes.
Aidil also revealed that the suspect has a history of multiple sexual harassment reports lodged against him between 2017 and 2019.
He was also charged under section 377E of the penal code in 2019 for inciting a child to commit an act of gross indecency, which is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison and whipping.
“The suspect has been arrested and is under investigation after we received several reports from parents of students from the school where he teaches basketball.
“The suspect also has a criminal record from previous schools where he taught, prior to his recent position at the school, which he joined just a couple of months ago,” he said.
The district top cop added that it is also understood the school management had sacked the suspect from his teaching role a few days ago. He was arrested at his residence before he left to buy groceries today.
“For now, we are in the process of investigating the suspect, and he will be charged if the allegations are proven to be true,” said Aidil when contacted.
The information regarding the former national basketball athlete’s alleged sexual harassment of school students was brought to Scoop’s attention by a source from the sports community.
The source also questioned how the Education Ministry (MoE) allowed someone with a criminal record to continue teaching at schools without taking any severe actions.
“Given this athlete’s track record and the number of cases against him, I wonder why the MoE has not yet blacklisted him and revoked his teaching certificate or licence.
“People like him are a disgrace to the sports industry and a threat to the future of our children in schools. Severe actions should be taken against him. My daughter studies at the school, and I am concerned about her future.
“I’m glad that the school’s management listened to the parents’ complaints and sacked him from his role. I hope that all schools in our country will carry out proper background checks before hiring teachers to teach our children,” said the source.
For the record, it was reported that the sessions court issued an arrest warrant for the former national basketball athlete in 2019 for failing to appear for a trial regarding an alleged sexual offence against a minor in Putrajaya.
The suspect has made a total of 27 appearances for the national basketball team and has participated in tournaments such as the FIBA Asia Cup and the SEA Games. – February 27, 2025