Kuala Lumpur criminal investigation department chief Habibi Majinji said police had rearrested the man on Monday and that he would be detained for five days.

“He’s being detained at the lock-up at Brickfields (police station). After completing the Investigation Paper, we will refer it to the deputy public prosecutor where we will suggest the suspect be sent to Tanjung Rambutan (psychiatric hospital),” he said.

The mother of the 12-year-old victim expressed relief following news that the perpetrator, who has learning disabilities (OKU), had been rearrested.

Her daughter had allegedly been molested inside the lift of a flat in Kerinchi on the same day. This prompted the mother to lodge a report.

However, she claimed the police released the suspect after it was found that he was an OKU cardholder.

The single mother said she and her daughter were afraid to go out after they learned that the suspect had been released.

“We heard from neighbours that, based on past incidents involving other victims, the suspect would find out who lodged a report and threaten them with a knife,” she told FMT.

“Now, the whole community at this flat, especially women, feel safe that he’s gone.”

During the call, she said she and her daughter were at the police station to help with the investigation.

“I brought another elderly victim with me. There was also another report some years ago involving the suspect but the probe hit a stonewall for the same reason – the suspect was holding an OKU card,” she said.