MANJUNG: A Vietnamese woman has been detained to assist in the investigation of an arson case involving three homes and four vehicles in Taman Singa, near Sitiawan, yesterday.
District police chief Assistant Commissioner Hasbullah Abd Rahman, in a statement last night, said they received a distress call about the incident from a male complainant at 2.50am.
Hasbullah said the victim, a 42-year-old restaurant assistant, suffered 90 per cent destruction to his home, along with the loss of his vehicles, including a Proton X50 SUV, a Perodua Myvi, and a Yamaha Ego motorcycle.
The fire, originating in the garage of his home, spread to two neighbouring houses and another Yamaha LC motorcycle, he said.
Fortunately, there were no fatalities reported.
"A review of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage revealed a man carrying two containers, believed to be filled with flammable liquid, heading toward the complainant's house.
"The suspect fled the scene after igniting the fire," he said.
Acting on information, the police arrested a 38-year-old Vietnamese woman to assist with the investigation, he said.
"The motive and the connection between the detainee and the suspect are still under investigation."
The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' jail and a fine.
Those with information related to this case can call the investigating officer Inspector Nur Munawara Ahmad at 011-1624 0391 or the Manjung district police headquarters operations room at 05-688 6222.