SINGAPORE, Sept 26 — A 50-year-old man, suspected of setting fire outside a mosque in Singapore’s central business district, is scheduled to face a charge in court here today.
The fire started outside the mosque at 80 Raffles Place at about 9pm yesterday, with the address corresponding to Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali in the basement of UOB Plaza, according to the Singapore Police Force.
Preliminary police investigations found that the man allegedly set fire to an undergarment placed inside an oil tin outside the mosque and then left the scene.
The fire was put out by a member of the public and no injuries were reported, police said in a statement cited by The Straits Times and Singapore-based news portal CNA.
The suspect, who police identified as Chinese, was traced through ground enquiries and camera footage and arrested, with officers also seizing a lighter as evidence.
The man is due to be charged with causing or contributing to the risk of a dangerous fire, an offence punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine, or both, both news agencies reported.
In a statement on Facebook, Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali said the incident was isolated and occurred outside and away from the mosque premises, with no damage to the mosque or other property and no injuries.
The mosque said it was working with the authorities and taking necessary measures to ensure the safety of congregants and visitors, while urging the community to remain calm.
It added that the mosque remained open and congregants and members of the public could continue to visit and perform their prayers safely.
The man is due to be charged with causing or contributing to the risk of a dangerous fire, an offence punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine, or both.
