Man arrested for beating wife, 7-year-old son

KABONG : A 34-year-old man who allegedly assaulted his wife and seven-year-old son during an argument, was arrested in Gerigat yesterday (Oct 19).

The suspect allegedly struck his 27-year-old wife on the forehead and their young son above the left eyebrow during the incident at a longhouse at around 8pm on Sunday (Oct 18).

Saratok police chief DSP Mathew Manggie said both sustained bruising, with the longhouse chief stepping in to pull the victims away to prevent the situation from escalating.

The woman later lodged a police report.

“Acting on the report, a team from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) arrested the suspect by the roadside.

“During questioning, the suspect admitted to assaulting his wife and son following an argument sparked by his drinking habits,” he said.

The suspect told police he was angry after his wife scolded him for repeatedly consuming alcohol.

He also admitted to having drunk langkau, a traditional distilled alcoholic drink, with friends at the longhouse before the incident.

Mathew stated that the suspect drinks almost daily and frequently assaults his wife whenever they have disagreements.

The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 18A of the Domestic Violence Act 1994.