SIBU, June 17: Police are on the hunt for a man suspected to be involved in setting a lorry on fire.
According to Sibu district deputy police chief Supt Collin Babat, at about 6am on June 16, the complainant who is a businessman had woken up from sleep and realised his five-tonne lorry was on fire at his house at Jalan Pahlawan.
“Together with his wife, he quickly put out the fire and later called up Bomba (Fire and Rescue Department) for assistance,” Collin added.
Total loss was estimated at RM35,000. The complainant deals in the collection of used oil from workshops throughout the state.
A screengrab from CCTV showed a man fleeing the scene in a four-wheel-drive vehicle after setting the lorry on fire.
The complainant suspected that a business rival was behind the arson as he once had a misunderstanding with him.
The police later contacted the business rival who was then in Kuching. The man admitted knowing the complainant but denied having business dealings with him.
“The man said the complainant suspected that he was the culprit as he (complainant) might not be happy that he had secured contracts to supply oil, logistics and work for the Pan Borneo Highway project,” Collin added.
The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for causing mischief by fire. — DayakDaily
