By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Sept 3: A man from Miri who set fire to his own motorcycle, causing damage to an apartment block, was sentenced by the Sessions Court here today to six years in prison and fined RM5,000.
Wan Mohammad Adenan Wan Umar, 44, pleaded guilty before Judge Iris Awen Jon to a charge under Section 435 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by fire. The offence carries a penalty of up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine.
The incident occurred at about 3.30pm on Aug 27 at an apartment block in Matang.
According to the facts of the case, the accused torched his Modenas motorcycle, causing damage to the building’s wall and floor estimated at RM1,000.
A security guard on duty was alerted by residents who reported seeing a man setting his motorcycle ablaze. By the time the guard arrived, residents had already extinguished the flames.
The accused attempted to flee but was restrained by the guard’s colleague. He then became aggressive, threatening both men with a meat cleaver before being handed over to the police.
Investigations revealed that Wan Mohammad admitted to the act, citing financial stress as the reason behind his actions.
The court ordered his prison term to take immediate effect. He will serve an additional two months’ imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohamad Aiman Mutallib Mohamad Shariff prosecuted, while the accused was unrepresented. — DayakDaily
