Loan sharks suspected in arson case that razed three houses

New Straits Times

26-06-2025

TASEK GELUGOR: Police are conducting further investigations into a fire that destroyed three double-storey terrace houses in Taman Tasek Gelugor Utama on Tuesday, which is suspected to have been caused by loan sharks.
Seberang Prai Utara district police chief, Assistant Commissioner Anuar Abdul Rahman, said a report was lodged by one of the homeowners, claiming the fire was believed to be the result of arson.
"We received a report from the victim, who believes the fire was deliberately started by loan sharks, as a warning note was found at one of the houses.
"Investigations are ongoing, and we are also awaiting the fire report from the Fire and Rescue Department's forensic unit to facilitate a more detailed probe into the case.
"The case has been classified under Section 507 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation," he said today.
The fire, which broke out at about 4.50am, destroyed three houses. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
Five cars and four motorcycles were also destroyed in the blaze.
A social media post has since gone viral, in which a man believed to be one of the victims claimed on Facebook that petrol and paint stains were found on two of the houses affected, including his own.
He also alleged that a warning note and a bottle containing leftover petrol were discovered at a neighbouring house that was also razed in the incident.
The man claimed that the note was actually intended for a different house and not any of the three that were gutted.