KOTA KINABALU: A woman in Tawau district has alleged that her husband punched her because she was late in opening their room door when he knocked.

Tawau acting OCPD Supt Champin Piuh said that in the midnight incident on Saturday (Aug 16), the suspect, an immigrant in his 30s, had knocked on the door of their rented room at Jalan Dunlop, as he wanted to go to bed.

“However, the woman in her 50s was late to respond," he said on Sunday (Aug 17), adding that it could have been because she was asleep.

He then punched her on the left arm when she finally unlocked the door, he added.

Supt Champin said the woman lodged a report on the incident, and police detained the man at 1.50pm on Saturday in Tawau town.

He said the case is being investigated for domestic violence and under the Immigration Act 1959/63.

“We take domestic violence cases seriously and would not hesitate to take stern action against perpetrators,” he added.

Supt Champin urged people to settle disagreements amicably and rationally rather than resort to violence.

He also encouraged those experiencing domestic violence, or with knowledge of anyone in such a situation, to inform the police without delay.