By Zaki Salleh
Photo: JBPM Perak
TELUK INTAN: A man has been arrested by the police to assist in the investigation following a fire that destroyed part of the Arena Square Hall on Jalan Raja here.
The fire, which occurred last Sunday at around 11 p.m., was successfully controlled and extinguished by a team from the Teluk Intan Fire and Rescue Department, preventing it from spreading.
The fire involved aluminum fiber beneath the roof layer, and no casualties were reported.
Teluk Intan District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Adnan Basri, stated that the fire was likely caused by sparks from fireworks that were shot towards the hall’s roof, resulting in the blaze.
“We found that the fire occurred during a birthday celebration organized by an individual who rented the Arena Square hall from the Teluk Intan Municipal Council.
“The event was attended by about 500 guests, and the organizer had provided various types of firecrackers and fireworks for guests to use.
“However, checks revealed that the organizer did not have a valid permit for the use of fireworks and firecrackers,” he said in a statement.
Ahmad Adnan added that the police had applied for a remand order against the suspect to allow further investigation.
“The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code and Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.
“Upon conviction, the suspect could face imprisonment for up to 20 years and a fine.
“Meanwhile, the offense under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison, a fine of RM10,000, or both,” he said.
