NIAH: Police have arrested two local men on suspicion of committing arson and damaging three cars in front of a hardware and household appliances store last Saturday (June 1).
Miri police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said the suspects aged 34 and 48, were taken into custody less than 24 hours after the incident.
He pointed out that the case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by fire or any explosive substance.
“The incident, which happened around 12.09am on Saturday, involved three vehicles belonging to a businessman and his family.
“CCTV footage checks revealed that three masked men arrived at the scene in a four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle. They then splashed accelerants on the cars before igniting the fire.
“The motive behind the incident is believed to be related to grudges as only the vehicles of the complainant and his family were targeted,” he said.
Alexson urged the public to refrain from speculating or spreading unverified information on social media as it may cause unnecessary anxiety within the community.
He also advised the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or the Miri district police headquarters (IPD) at 085-433730.
