By: Aida Aziz
Ipoh: A 35-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of deliberately causing a fire that consumed his own house in Kampung Baru Jelapang on Monday.
Ipoh District Police Chief, ACP Yahaya Hassan, stated that they received information from the public about the fire around 10:30 in the morning.
According to him, preliminary investigations by the police and the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) at the scene revealed that the fire was believed to have originated from the occupant of the house.
“The suspect is believed to have deliberately set fire to wires on the bedroom floor, which then spread to the mattress, ultimately destroying nearly 90 per cent of the house.
“The estimated loss incurred in the fire is approximately RM80,000.
“The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code (committing mischief by fire with intent to destroy a house), and the suspect has been arrested to assist in the investigation,” he said last night.
Furthermore, he mentioned that a check revealed the suspect had three prior criminal records related to narcotics and general offences.
Meanwhile, a urine screening test confirmed that the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine.
He added that the suspect would be remanded tomorrow for further investigation.
