The errand woman for the loan sharks in Kluang, Johor, who set the wrong houses on fire, was released on RM14,000 bail yesterday (22 September).
She pleaded not guilty after 2 charges were read against her in Mandarin, and asked the Kluang Magistrate’s Court to reduce her bail amount.
The woman pleaded not guilty to charges of arson in court
The first charge stated that the accused had set fire to a Honda sedan at Jalan Suria on 3 September, causing the owner to suffer a loss of RM688.
Meanwhile, the second charge stated that the accused had set fire at Jalan Permai, Kluang, between 3 AM and 3:30 AM on 5 September, with the intention of destroying a car and a house.
The two charges were framed under Sections 435 and 436 of the Penal Code, respectively. If found guilty, she may face a prison term between 14 and 20 years.
The 46-year-old accused was not represented by lawyers, and in the courtroom, she was seen giggling and looking around.
The accused asked for a lower bail as she needs to care for her elderly mother and 2 children
Deputy public prosecutor initially suggested a bail of RM15,000 for each charge be set with one surety, with the additional conditions that she must report to the police station near her house every month and not harass anyone involved in the case.
The accused, however, sought leniency in the bail amount and told the court that she needed to care for her elderly mother and 2 children.
The Magistrate’s Court then set that the defendant would be released on bail of RM7,000 each and one surety for the two cases, totalling RM14,000, as reported by China Press.
The case has been set for a hearing on 15 October.
Also read: M’sian Man Refuses to Repay Loan Sharks, Sends Them to Harass His Estranged 21yo Daughter Instead
