By Dorcas Ting
KUCHING, Jan 20: A 24-year-old unemployed man was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment by the Sessions Court here today after admitting to setting fire to the rear section of his neighbour’s car, causing over RM1,100 in damages last November.
Kelvin pleaded guilty when the charge was read before Judge Noorhisham Mohd Jaafar.
According to the charge sheet, he committed mischief by fire, damaging the back portion of a vehicle belonging to a 42-year-old man. The offence took place at a flat parking area in Matang at around 9am on Nov 2, 2025.
The case was prosecuted under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which provides for up to 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.
Facts of the case stated that the victim was alerted by a neighbour that his vehicle was on fire. Upon checking, he found the rear window shattered and burn marks on the rear passenger seat. A police report was later lodged and Kelvin was arrested on Jan 12.
Investigations concluded that Kelvin had intentionally set the vehicle ablaze, causing losses estimated at RM1,125.20. The act was witnessed by a neighbour who had known the accused for more than two decades.
It was also revealed in court that the accused tested positive for drugs during arrest and had been embroiled in a dispute with the victim prior to the incident.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Adriana Maisarah Mohd Farid conducted the prosecution, while Kelvin was unrepresented. — DayakDaily
