George Town police chief Soffian Santong said his officers recorded a statement from the alleged victim yesterday.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation under Section 354 of the Penal Code for alleged use of criminal force to outrage modesty.

“If there is misconduct on the officers’ side, we will not hesitate to take disciplinary action against them,” he said, referring to a Muda member’s claim that the police had refused to register the report from the victim.

Yesterday, Muda’s women’s rights bureau member Tan Sin Ying claimed in a statement that police had refused to take the victim’s report “due to lack of evidence and information”.

She said the suspect was earlier arrested by Komtar’s security officers and handed over to the police.

“The suspect was released without a comprehensive effort to further investigate and resolve the issue at hand.

“We denounce such acts of violence towards women and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment, abuse or assault, as well as any other unwelcome physical contact, violence or threats of physical violence,” Tan added.

She also urged women, family and community development minister Rina Harun to table the long-awaited anti-sexual harassment bill as soon as possible.

“Any further delay to this bill will significantly halt progressive steps carried out by all parties championing equality and women’s rights,” Tan said.