KUCHING: Dissatisfaction over unpaid wages is believed to have led two local men to set fire on an excavator at a construction site along Jalan Tun Datuk Abang Haji Mohd Salahuddin, Petra Jaya here yesterday.
Kuching police chief ACP Mohd Farhan Lee Abdullah confirmed that the incident, which occurred around 4.50 am, was reported to the authorities.
Acting on information, both suspects, aged 34 and 46, were taken into custody by a team from Kuching police’s D7 branch.
“The incident stemmed from dissatisfaction between the suspects and their employer over unpaid wages, leading them to set fire to the machine using a glass bottle filled with petrol.
“Initial urine tests showed both suspects tested positive for drugs. However, this case is not linked to any gangsterism,” he said.
The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire, which carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Members of the public are urged to report any information related to this incident to the investigating officer Insp. Ridzainuddin Rosley Abdullah at 010-9431449 or the Kuching police operations centre at 082-244444.
Farhan also advised the public to refrain from speculating or spreading unverified information regarding the case.
