BUKIT MERTAJAM, Feb 9 — A Bangladeshi man who was allegedly set ablaze by an Indonesian woman at a construction site last Wednesday, for failing to settle a debt died yesterday.

The victim, identified only as Raju, 32, succumbed to 80 per cent burns on the body at 3.45pm yesterday, at the Bukit Mertajam Hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU).

Seberang Perai Tengah police chief ACP Rusli Mohd Noor said the victim had not regained consciousness since he was treated at the ICU.

“According to doctors, the victim died due to 80 per cent severe burns all over the body,” he said when contacted here today.

He said in the 7.50am incident last Wednesday, Raju and a compatriot were travelling on a motorcycle to work at the construction site near Kampung Baru Market when upon arrival, an Indonesian woman confronted them.

The woman allegedly splashed what was believed to be petrol on Raju, lit a piece of cloth and hurled it in the direction of the two men.

As the victim was ablaze, his friend managed to flee from the scene.

The alleged assailant was apprehended by witnesses and handed over to the police.

Rusli said the 36-year-old woman was remanded until Feb 18 to facilitate investigations. — Bernama