SIBU: A Pakistani national has been arrested for allegedly setting fire to a furniture shop in Sibu Jaya on Friday.
Sibu OCPD Stanley Jonathan Ringgit said the shop, which was owned by another Pakistani man, suffered 70 per cent damage in the 3.45am fire.
The shop owner estimated losses at RM70,000 from damaged furniture, mattresses and electrical items.
“Two teams of firemen from Sungai Merah and Sibu Central fire stations arrived at the scene at 4am and found that the fire has destroyed about 70 per cent of the shop,” he said.
A screen grab of a CCTV in the area showed a man wearing a motorcycle helmet rushing out from the shop. Not long after, fire erupted from the inside the shop, he added.
Initial investigation by firemen showed that arson was believed to be the main cause of the fire.
This prompted police to immediately conduct further investigations which led to the arrest of a 43-year Pakistani man.
“The suspect had also operated his own furniture business in Sibu Jaya for more than 10 years while the complainant had only started his in April this year.
“We have detained the suspect. He will be remanded under Section 435 of the Penal Code for arson,” he added.
