Tawau deputy police chief Champin Piuh said the suspect had allegedly punched his wife for taking too long to open the door to their rented room at Jalan Dunlop.

The incident which took place just past midnight (late Friday night), involved a foreign man in his 30s. He is alleged to have punched his wife, who is in her 50s, on the left arm, leaving her bruised. The victim later lodged a police report.

Champin said the suspect was arrested yesterday afternoon after he was spotted walking by the roadside in the centre of the town, Harian Metro reported.

“The case is being investigated under Section 323 of the Penal Code, Section 18A of the Domestic Violence Act 1994, and Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63,” he was quoted as saying.

He said police take domestic violence cases seriously and will not compromise with anyone involved in such offences. He also advised couples to resolve disputes calmly without resorting to violence.

“Those with information on domestic violence cases are urged to contact the police to enable immediate action,” he said.