MAN, 25, NABBED FOR BURNING OWN FAMILY HOUSE IN PENGKALAN HULU

IPOH, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- Police arrested a man after he was believed to have set fire to his family's house in Kampung Seberang Kuak Hulu, Pengkalan Hulu early this morning.

Pengkalan Hulu police chief Supt Zulkepli Ibrahim said the 25-year-old suspect, suspected of being under the influence of drugs, set fire to the house, which was burnt 65 per cent.

He said the Pengkalan Hulu district police headquarters had received a report at 1.08 am regarding a blaze at a residential house in the location.

"Initial investigations point to a treacherous act of the homeowner's own son, who was believed to be under the influence of drugs," he said in a statement here.

He said the suspect's mother was taken to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Alor Setar Kedah for treatment of burns which required immediate surgery.

He said a team of 10 from the Pengkalan Hulu fire station, assisted by the Baling district fire station from Kedah, extinguished the fire at 2.30 am.

"Further investigation by a team from the Intelligence and Operations Branch (Criminal Investigation Division) of the Pengkalan Hulu IPD, assisted by police patrol cars then succeeded in arresting the suspect at 3.25 am on the same day.

"In a remand application under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code made at the Gerik Magistrate's Court (today), the suspect has been remanded for four days until Nov 1," he said.

Zulkepli said the suspect tested positive for methamphetamine and the case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code (mischief by fire).

-- BERNAMA