JOHOR BARU: In a fit of anger, a motorist set fire to a Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) tow truck after he was unable to pay a compound for his towed car.
Although no one was injured in the incident on Aug 15, damages to the council’s vehicle were estimated at about RM10,000.
The 31-year-old suspect allegedly poured petrol and torched the truck inside the MBJB impound at Johor Baru Waterfront around 11.07am, a day after his Perodua Axia was seized.
Johor Baru (South) police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said closed-circuit television footage led the police to the man, who was arrested at 1.06pm the same day.
Police also seized an aluminium canister and a lighter believed to have been used in the arson.
“Checks showed the suspect had a prior drug-related record. However, his urine test came back negative.
“He has been remanded for five days until Aug 19,” Raub said in a statement today.
The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire, which carries a penalty of up to seven years’ jail and a fine.
Raub warned that taking the law into one’s own hands was a serious offence that endangered lives, property and public order.
He urged the public to resolve grievances through legal channels instead of “acting outside the bounds of the law.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
