TAIPING: Police have arrested a woman after a video of her setting a motorcycle on fire at Jalan Masjid, Pokok Assam, went viral on social media yesterday (Dec 26).
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohamad Nasir Ismail said the suspect, in her 40s, was detained at 7.30pm to assist in the investigation under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which deals with mischief by fire.
"Earlier at 4.27pm, police received a report from a tow truck operator about a woman setting a black Honda RSX motorcycle on fire.
"Following the report, officers apprehended the suspect. The incident is believed to have been triggered by her dissatisfaction with the repossession of the motorcycle due to outstanding payments.
"Investigations revealed that the motorcycle's monthly payments had been overdue for more than 20 months," he said.
The vehicle was purchased under the name of her child.
An investigation paper has been opened under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison or a fine upon conviction.
The suspect has been taken to the Taiping District Police Headquarters (IPD) for further investigation, and a remand application will be made this morning.
The video, widely shared online, shows the woman pouring a liquid believed to be petrol onto the motorcycle before setting it alight near a stall in Pokok Assam.
It is understood that the woman, a trader, refused to cooperate with the tow truck operator attempting to repossess the motorcycle due to the 20-month payment arrears.