An 81-year-old man allegedly set fire to a senior citizens’ care centre in Kaki Bukit, Perlis, on Thursday morning after he was denied permission to travel to Kangar with his girlfriend to buy a hearing aid, New Straits Times reported.
The incident occurred at about 8.31 am on August 14, 2025, at the facility that housed 20 elderly residents, according to Padang Besar district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Shokri Abdullah.
CCTV Captured the Act
CCTV footage from the care centre allegedly showed the man starting the fire inside a cupboard in the kitchen area.
Shokri explained that the flames moved from the kitchen to the main hall, ultimately destroying roughly half of the space.
According to Harian Metro, investigations revealed the incident was triggered by the suspect’s frustration after the caretaker refused to let him leave with his girlfriend, who is also a resident at the centre.
Firefighting Efforts and Damage Assessment
The Perlis Fire and Rescue Department reported that firefighters from the Padang Besar station arrived shortly after receiving an emergency call at 8.32 am.
They managed to subdue the blaze by 9.31 am using a 60-metre hose line and two water jets.
The operation ended at 9.34 am. No injuries were reported, but about half of the building’s structure was damaged. Authorities are still assessing the total losses.
Legal Action Underway
Police arrested the suspect shortly after the incident. He has since been released on police bail while investigations continue under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which covers mischief by fire and carries a maximum penalty of 14 years’ imprisonment and a fine upon conviction.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Thailand Government to Compensate Two Malaysians Set on Fire in Bangkok Attack
Two Brothers in the Philippines Found Embracing After Fatal House Fire
“Take This Idiot Off the Road,” Say Police After Man Sets Salon — and Himself — on Fire
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Interested in advertising on our media channels? Reach out to us at admin@wakeup.sg!
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram and X!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
