Two men remanded over firebomb attacks, linked to previous incidents

KUCHING, Sept 23: Two men have been remanded for three days by the Magistrates’ Court here today to assist in investigations into a fire-related mischief case involving a convenience store along Jalan Green.

The remand order was issued against the suspects, aged 23 and 40, following an application by an investigating officer under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The court ordered both suspects to be held until Sept 26 to facilitate police inquiries under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance.

Counsel Daniel Ling represented both suspects during the proceedings.

The incident reportedly occurred at the convenience store in Sin Sin Park, Jalan Green, at about 8.30 pm on Sept 20.

Investigations revealed that two masked individuals allegedly approached the outlet and shouted, “Bom bom, keluar ada api” (Bomb, bomb, get out, there is a fire).

Hearing the threat, three store employees immediately fled the premises shortly before noticing that the shop was ablaze.

Police subsequently tracked down and arrested the 40-year-old suspect at his residence in Sibu at about 2.40 pm on Sept 22.

The 23-year-old accomplice was apprehended later the same day behind a food stall in Sarikei at about 9.30 pm.

The case is part of a wider police investigation into reported fire attacks targeting premises belonging to the same convenience store chain across Kuching and Sri Aman on Sept 20.

Under Section 436 of the Penal Code, committing mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a building carries a penalty of up to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction. – TVS