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Independent Singapore
2 days ago
- Independent Singapore
Segamat house fire that killed elderly woman linked to Singapore-based debt scam syndicate, says Johor police
MALAYSIA: A suspected arson attack in Segamat, Johor, that claimed the life of a 72-year-old woman has led to the arrest of a young couple allegedly hired by a Singapore-based loan shark. Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said the incident occurred on Jul 25, 2025, in Kampung Bukit Siput, where the victim was alone in her house when the fire broke out. Investigations revealed signs of deliberate ignition. 'A special task force was formed to probe the case, and it subsequently led to the arrest of the suspects – a 21-year-old man and his 19-year-old girlfriend – in Subang Jaya, Selangor, a week after the incident,' Rahaman said, as reported by Free Malaysia Today (FMT), citing Bernama . According to police, the Singaporean syndicate had allegedly hired the couple to set the blaze as a form of intimidation against the homeowner, who had defaulted on a loan. However, the victim herself had not taken the loan; it is believed a family member was involved. See also Pakatan hit by "uncertainty and confusion" in policy directions Four investigation papers were submitted to the Johor legal adviser's office, which instructed that the prosecution proceed. According to FMT , the 21-year-old man is expected to face nine charges at the Segamat magistrates' court under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code for causing death without intent, Section 436 for arson, and Section 507 for criminal intimidation. His girlfriend has been released on police bail and will serve as a prosecution witness. Anger and outrage from the public News of the arrest has sparked intense anger among netizens, many of whom demanded the harshest possible punishment for those involved. 'Hang the man who gave the order,' one commenter wrote, while another simply said, 'Give the death sentence.' Others turned their attention to the alleged mastermind, calling for authorities to 'go after the loan shark!' This sentiment was met with a reminder from another user that 'the young couple is equally wrong — they could have refused to carry out the arson attack.' The general tone online has been one of shock and fury, with many Malaysians expressing disbelief that an intimidation tactic tied to loan shark activities could escalate to such a deadly and senseless loss of life. A chilling reminder for both regions For people in Johor, it's more than just another crime story — it's a stark reminder that debt doesn't just hurt the borrower. It can cause a ripple effect that could tear through families and even take the lives of innocent people. With cross-border crime still making headlines, calls for stricter enforcement and tougher penalties for syndicates that operate across the Causeway have been growing. As the suspect prepares to face court, many are asking if justice will also catch up with the alleged mastermind in Singapore. Read also: ICA foils three chewing tobacco smuggling attempts in under two hours at Woodlands Checkpoint
Free Malaysia Today
3 days ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Cops nab couple allegedly hired by loan shark over fatal Segamat blaze
Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said a Singaporean loan shark syndicate is believed to have hired the couple to intimidate a borrower who had failed to repay a loan by setting fire to the house. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Johor police have arrested a couple, believed to have been hired by a Singapore-based loan shark, following a house fire that killed a 72-year-old woman in Kampung Bukit Siput, Segamat, on July 25. Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said an investigation revealed that there were elements of arson. 'A special task force was formed to probe the case and it subsequently led to the arrest of the suspects – a 21-year-old man and his 19-year-old girlfriend – in Subang Jaya, Selangor, a week after the incident. 'It was revealed during interrogation that a loan shark syndicate in Singapore hired them to set fire to the house so as to intimidate the owner who had failed to repay a loan. 'At the time of the incident, the elderly woman was alone. She had never received any threats, and it is believed that the loan was taken out by a family member of the victim,' Bernama reported him as saying. He said four investigation papers had been referred to the Johor legal adviser's office and were returned with instructions for prosecution. Rahaman said the man would be charged at the Segamat magistrates' court tomorrow with nine charges under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code for causing death without intent, Section 436 for arson and Section 507 for criminal intimidation. He said the man's girlfriend was released on police bail and would serve as a prosecution witness.
