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A well-known Malaysian tour operator and author of travel books about Japan has been arrested after he allegedly threatened and assaulted a female tour guide and her husband in Tokyo earlier this year
The suspect, a 36-year-old man, was arrested at a restaurant in Sepang yesterday, 15 July, hours after a press conference by the complainants, Noornabilla Azemi and her husband Mohamad Zhaza Mohamad.
Noornabilla had alleged that the incident took place on 24 January 2025, but no action was taken against the man, despite police reports being lodged in both Japan and Malaysia on 28 January.
Confirming the arrest, Sepang district police chief ACP Norhizam Bahaman said the man is known to the couple through a separate travel agency, and that preliminary investigations suggest the motive was linked to dissatisfaction over tour group management in Japan.
"The case is being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation, which carries a jail term, a fine, or both upon conviction," Norhizam was quoted as saying by the New Straits Times.
While the arrest stems from a report lodged in Malaysia, the original incident allegedly took place in Tokyo, at a rented home belonging to the victim's friend.
Noornabilla previously claimed that the suspect had slammed her head into a metal bedframe, stomped on her with boots, and threatened to kill her during an argument over touring "territory" in the Japanese capital.
She also alleged that her husband and another Malaysian living in Tokyo were assaulted during the same encounter, and that the suspect had taken 75,000 yen (RM2,300) from them before ordering them to leave Japan.
The suspect is said to be a familiar name in local travel circles, known for publishing guidebooks and sharing tourism content about Japan on social media.
Meanwhile, prior to his arrest, the suspect had denied the allegations of violence, calling them "untrue" and "deliberately exaggerated"
"We strongly deny that any violent or unlawful actions took place as claimed in recent social media posts," he wrote on his Facebook post on 12 July.
"At the time of the incident, it's true that we met with Zhaza and [Noornabilla] to seek clarification over actions that had damaged our reputation among other tour operators in Japan. A discussion took place, and both acknowledged their mistakes," he claimed.
He also denied claims that he was dressed in any intimidating or aggressive manner during the alleged encounter.
"Neither of us was wearing commando/military clothing and/or shoes as alleged. We have photographic evidence from the day of the incident and will disclose it in court proceedings, if necessary," he said, adding that legal advice is being sought and that the case should be addressed in court rather than through public discourse.
