KUCHING: Police are on the hunt for an unidentified male suspect who allegedly attempted to set fire to a house by hurling a Molotov cocktail in Jalan Patingan on Saturday morning (May 10).
Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu said a police report was lodged by a 41-year-old on the incident which took place at around 9.30 am.
“An unidentified male suspect was reported to have thrown a bomb device towards the complainant’s house.
“Police are currently tracking down the suspect,” he said in a statement yesterday (May 11).
The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum jail sentence of seven years and may also include a fine upon conviction.
Members of the public who have relevant information related to the incident are urged to contact the Kuching district police headquarters control centre at 082-244444, any nearby police station, or reach out directly to the investigating officer ASP Joshua Masing Lugoh at 017-9542048.
Earlier, a resident from Kampung No. 6 took to social media to raise community awareness and urge local authorities to improve neighbourhood security following the attempted arson.
“I would like to share an incident. I’m from Kampung No. 6 and I want to inform the public that there was an attempted criminal act on my neighbour’s house, an attempt to commit arson.
“The homeowner managed to catch a glimpse of the suspect and reported that he arrived on a motorcycle, wore a red jacket and helmet, and suddenly entered the house compound.
“The suspect lit a bottle containing what appeared to be a flammable substance and tried to throw it into the house. Thankfully, the attempt failed,” the resident said.
The resident also appealed to others in the area who may have closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to check their footage and inform the house owner if anything suspicious was recorded.
Expressing fear and concern for the community’s safety, the resident also appealed to the local leaders to take immediate action.
“Kampung Patingan No. 6 should be equipped with a gated entrance or security system to protect the homes in this area, as it is often targeted by outsiders,” the resident said.
