Siblings In Kota Bharu Accused Of Setting 11 Houses On Fire So They Could See Firemen Work
Police apprehended the two brothers and they are currently under investigation.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 17 Sep 2019, 05:58 PM
Two brothers, aged 10 and 11, are under investigation for allegedly starting a series of fires involving 11 houses at Kampung Padang Pohon Tanjung, Kelantan
Astro Awani reported that on Sunday, 15 September, the boys were apprehended by the police at their family home.
The arrest was made after a resident filed a report. The boys will remain in police custody for two days.
The series of fires started in June and the most recent case involved a house across the boys' home
According to Kosmo, the first incident involved a shophouse in the area.
The second incident happened earlier in August where three rental units burned down days before Hari Raya Aidiladha. The third incident happened on Wednesday, 28 August, affecting seven homes.
The most recent case happened on Sunday, 15 September, where the house across the boys' home was set on fire at 10.45am.
No one was hurt during the incident as the family in the house managed to escape after they saw flames in one of the bedrooms.
Residents are claiming that the two brothers started the fires because they enjoy seeing firemen at work
A Facebook page called Kelantan State wrote in a now-viral post, "Oh dear, kids burned down houses just to make firemen come."
The page also shared screenshots of a group message where one person said, "There are kids burning down houses just to see firemen. It's so terrible."
The police are investigating the case under Section 436 of the Penal Code for causing mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house
Based on a report by Sinar Harian, Kelantan police chief Datuk Hasanuddin Hassan said that the police are aware of the allegations accusing the two boys of starting the series of fires.
"The police are investigating the case and have questioned the children but they did not admit to the crime," said Datuk Hasanuddin.
