A MAN has been arrested in Langkap, Teluk Intan, on suspicion of causing mischief by fire, having reportedly tried to burn down a mobile phone shop after one of the employees rejected his advances.

Hilir Perak police chief Ahmad Adnan Basri said a report of the 3.19pm incident was lodged by a 46-year-old woman, the object of the man’s affection.

According to the complainant, the 54-year-old unemployed suspect came to the shop at 2.30pm before becoming enraged, injuring her and uttering obscenities.

The suspect also threatened to set the complainant and the shop on fire.

“Out of fear, she rushed to Langkap police station to make a report, and while doing so, the shop belonging to her brother was reported to have caught fire,” he said in a statement today.

Adnan said firefighters managed to put out the fire, but damage to the property was estimated to cost RM100,000.

According to a witness, the suspect poured petrol over the premises and set it alight, he added.

He further said that unrequited love was believed to be the motive, as the suspect often came to the shop drunk and tried to court the complainant but the woman – married with three children – rejected him.

“The suspect also suffered burns to his face, hands and legs. During the arrest, the suspect was believed to be under the influence of alcohol,” he said, adding that the man was taken to Teluk Intan Hospital for treatment.

The suspect has been remanded for five days to assist in the investigation for causing mischief by fire. – Bernama, April 16, 2023.