A homeless man suffered burns on his legs and buttocks when his mattress was set on fire, the result of a treacherous act that took place on the sidewalk of a shop building in Taman Kampian, Kedah, yesterday (June 1 – Thursday).
This incident took place at about 9:30pm, and also caused damage to the doors of 2 shops located close to where the victim was sleeping.
According to a report by Kosmo, the Kuala Muda District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Zaidy Che Hassan shared that his party received a report from Sungai Petani firemen about the incident.
A result of the investigation at the scene found that the fire caused destruction to the sidewalk and the 2 shops, with an estimated loss of RM10,000.
“There is a 62-year-old victim who suffered 11% burn injuries to his buttocks and legs and was taken to the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital for treatment,” he said.
Upon speaking to the victim and the shop owners, they shared that they did not fight or owe anyone anything.
“The victim is a homeless person who has been sleeping on the sidewalk of the shop building since 2 years ago after having been in an accident, and the victim uses a cane to walk.”
Based on CCTV footage from a nearby shop, a man was found to have appeared at the scene of the incident at about 9:30pm, but his motorcycle’s registration number couldn’t be confirmed.
“The CCTV footage shows the suspect walking in a state of bewilderment, believed to be due to drunkenness.”
“The suspect was also seen heading towards the victim but his behaviour towards the victim could not be seen through the CCTV, then the suspect was seen setting fire to the mattress on the sidewalk of the building and fleeing on his motorcycle,” he added.
The police are now actively tracking the suspect and the case is being investigated according to Section 436 and Section 324 of the Penal Code.
What do you think about this? Do feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section.