By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Sept 22: A convenience store fire that broke out over the weekend has led police to detain a 36-year-old trader, who was formally remanded for three days to help investigators get to the bottom of what happened.
The blaze was reported at a shop along Jalan Kecil in Sri Aman on the evening of Sept 20, at around 7.25pm.
Police moved quickly, and by Monday night a team from the Saratok District Police Headquarters Criminal Investigation Division had tracked down and arrested the suspect, taking him into custody at roughly 7.15pm.
Investigating Officer Inspector Muhammad Huzairie Hamzah applied for a remand order via a Zoom hearing.
Magistrate Iris Awen Jon approved the request, directing that the suspect be held at the Sri Aman District Police Headquarters lock-up from Sept 22 through 25 while officers pursue the case under Section 436 of the Penal Code, which covers mischief by fire.
Saratok District Police Chief DSP Mathew Manggie, in a statement issued late Monday night, said investigators confiscated the suspect’s mobile phone as part of the evidence-gathering process.
He also noted that a urine test administered to the suspect had come back clean.
Providing further background, Mathew said the suspect is originally from Sarikei and has spent roughly the past ten years running a food business in Saratok town.
The suspect is being represented by lawyer Daniel Ling. — DayakDaily
