A series of arson cases that have plagued the town of Kupang since December 2024 has finally come to a close with the arrest of the suspect responsible. The 23-year-old man was apprehended at 12:30 AM on Monday (January 20), according to Kedah Police Chief Datuk Fisol Salleh.

The suspect's actions, fueled by a sense of resentment from being frequently bullied at his former workplace, led to nine cases of arson in the area. Speaking about the case, Datuk Fisol revealed, "The suspect, who is currently unemployed, resorted to setting motorcycles on fire using gasoline, which then spread to the houses of residents." 

The suspect, previously employed at a rubber factory, had quit his job three months prior to the first reported fire on December 24, 2024. He was also an outcast in his residential area, and some victims identified him as a familiar figure.

The fires caused widespread damage in the Kupang area, destroying nine houses, two vehicles, and 18 motorcycles. The total losses incurred amounted to RM770,000. These devastating incidents left many residents grappling with the aftermath of the destruction.

Kupang's Member of the Legislative Assembly (DUN), YB Dato Haji Najmi Haji Ahmad, had previously visited the victims and shared the damages through a Facebook post last year, underscoring the hardships faced by the affected families.

The suspect is now in police custody and will remain remanded until Saturday (January 25). Investigations are ongoing under Section 435 of the Penal Code (Act 574) for mischief by fire.

Source: Harian Metro