KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Police have arrested a man who allegedly set fire to his girlfriend’s flat in Desa Rajang, in Wangsa Maju on Tuesday.
The suspect, who was hiding at a relative’s house in Taman Desa Bernam, Perak, was arrested at 3am yesterday.
City deputy CID chief ACP Khairi Ahrasa said police also found a packet containing 2.15g of ganja on the 27-year-old suspect.
“The suspect has a record for drug possession. Based on his statement, we believe he is a drug addict,” said Khairi.
He added the couple had known each for six months but were always quarrelling over the suspect’s drug addiction and financial problems.
“He kept borrowing money from his unemployed girlfriend, who is a single mother.”
The tragedy took place when the suspect went to the victim’s flat to borrow money from her. However, her family refused to let him in.
The suspect then set fire to the flat’s front door, which later caused an uncontrollable fire.
“We found traces of liquid outside the flat, which led us to believe the suspect went there with intent to hurt his girlfriend.”
During the incident, the victim Sharliza Saidin, 29, and her 18-month-old baby suffered extensive burns.
The victim’s mother, 52, meanwhile incurred minor burns.
The suspect has been remanded for seven days and police will be conducting a urine test to determine if he was under the influence of drugs during the incident.
