Malaysian Tour Agent Arrested in Sepang for Allegedly Assaulting and Threatening Couple in Japan Over Turf Dispute

KUALA LUMPUR, July 16 — A 36-year-old Malaysian tour agent was reportedly arrested at a restaurant in Sepang yesterday evening for allegedly threatening and assaulting a Malaysian couple during a trip to Japan earlier this year.

According to Berita Harian, Sepang district police chief Assistant Commissioner Norhizam Bahaman said the arrest followed a police report lodged by the victims on January 28, after their return from Japan.

“The incident is believed to have stemmed from dissatisfaction over the handling of tour arrangements to Japan,” he was quoted as saying.

The victims, both reportedly working as tour guides, are said to have known the suspect, who operates a separate travel agency. The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation, which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.

Norhizam said the arrest took place at around 5pm, and a remand application would be submitted to the Sepang Magistrates’ Court today.

One of the victims, 36-year-old tour guide Noornabilla Azemi, alleged that the suspect assaulted her by hitting her head against a bed frame and threatened to kill her during an incident on January 24 at a friend’s rented house in Japan. Her husband, 34-year-old Mohamad Zhaza Mohamad, reportedly witnessed the attack.

At the time, the couple was in Tokyo leading a Malaysian tour group under the assignment of a local agency. Noornabilla said she had known the suspect for two years and had previously accepted guiding jobs from him.

“I never expected him to turn violent just because he was unhappy that I had allegedly entered a part of Japan he considered his territory,” she was quoted as saying.

She also claimed that the suspect assaulted her husband and another Malaysian friend, stole 75,000 yen (about RM2,300) in cash, and forced them to return to Malaysia immediately.