SEREMBAN: Police have arrested a preacher, who is also the head of a religious youth movement, for allegedly raping a 20-year-old woman.

The suspect is also the head of a state government agency set up to carry out preaching activities.

The man, in his 30s, had allegedly committed the offence in another state on March 9.

He had allegedly raped the woman in his house in a northern state while his wife and child were away.

A source said he was arrested in Perlis on Monday evening (July 23).

The suspect had taken the victim for lunch on the day of the alleged rape and they both then returned to his house.

He then took a shower and watched television with the victim. The suspect allegedly raped the woman in the living room.

The case is being investigated under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape.

State police chief DCP Datuk Noor Azam Jamaluddin confirmed the arrest on Wednesday (July 25) when contacted.

It is learnt that the suspect has been remanded until July 29.