The mystery of houses in Kedah catching fire since December has been solved after PDRM nabbed the 23-year-old suspect, who was said to be bullied at his workplace and treated like an outcast by some of the residents.
With the identity of the arsonist revealed, the suspect’s mum has come forward to shed light on what her son had to go through.
“He said he felt depressed recently and he once came home with his mouth bleeding.”
The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous said her son did not further his education after Form 5 because he has never performed well academically, and started working at a rubber factory soon after finishing high school, reported Harian Metro.
Unfortunately, what could’ve been a new start turned into a nightmare for the suspect.
According to his mother, his former colleagues stuffed scrapped rubber into his mouth, causing it to bleed.
“He cried to me while telling me about it. He stopped working there 2 years ago but he was still bullied by his former colleagues who still kept in touch with him.”
She added that before her son was brought to the police station, the officers came looking for him four times. The suspect initially denied his involvement in the series of arson, but later only admitted to the first fire, which was committed last December.
With her son now under police investigation, the woman admitted to feeling overwhelmed.
“He is the eldest among 5 siblings. With him gone, I have to take care of my husband who is battling stroke.”
“I don’t know about his fate after this, but it would be helpful if anyone can provide us free legal services.”
The series of arson that started last December had destroyed 9 houses in total, including two vehicles and 18 motorcycles, resulting in a loss of RM770,000.
The suspect will be remanded until Saturday (January 25) and the case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code (Act 574).
