GETTING a traffic summons can be upsetting. Getting your car towed can be infuriating. But that’s no reason to make it worse by committing arson or vandalism.
Did a man set a tow truck on fire in Johor Baru after his car was towed by the city council?
VERDICT:
TRUE
Police arrested a man suspected of setting fire to a tow truck owned by the Johor Baru City Council last Friday (Aug 15) at the vehicle storage depot at Lot 1, Johor Baru Waterfront.
Johor Baru Selatan OCPD Asst Comm Raub Selamat said the incident was believed to have stemmed from the suspect’s dissatisfaction after his Perodua Axia was towed away by the city council a day earlier.
“The suspect, who had no money to pay for the compound, allegedly poured petrol and set the truck on fire, causing an estimated RM10,000 loss.
“Police apprehended the suspect on the same day at 1.06pm and seized several items, including an aluminium container and a lighter,” he said in a statement on Sunday (Aug 17).
He said checks revealed that the suspect had previously been involved in a case under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952. However, he tested negative for drugs.
He added that the suspect has been remanded for five days starting yesterday to facilitate further investigation under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to seven years and a fine on conviction.
“Taking the law into one’s own hands is a serious matter as it can endanger lives, property and public order.
“The public is urged to use legal channels to resolve any problems and avoid violating the law,” he said.
A video recording of the arson has gone viral on Facebook.
