Man in Kedah sets houses ablaze after hearing voices

 Police believe the man was hallucinating after taking methamphetamines.

The aftermath of the fire at one of the houses in Alor Setar last night. (Umno Alor Setar Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 A man in Kedah set fire to his house apparently after hearing voices telling him to do so, resulting in the destruction of four houses in Taman Wira Mergong, Alor Setar, yesterday.

Kota Setar police chief Siti Nor Salawati Saad said the suspect in his 30s was believed to have hallucinated after taking methamphetamines.

“The suspect claimed he heard voices telling him to light some paper on fire and place it among the plastic containers in the house.

“As a result, his house was burned down, as were three other neighbouring houses, at about 8.20pm,” Kosmo reported Salawati as saying at a press conference.

She said the suspect, recently released from prison after serving a sentence for drug trafficking under Section 39C of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, tested positive for methamphetamine use.

“Police are investigating the case under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief.

“The suspect faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine or both if convicted,” she said. - FMT