Arson confirmed as cause of Seremban market fire

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) has confirmed arson as the cause of a fire at the Seremban main market on Sept 9.

Its director Norazam Khamis said petrol was detected in five samples collected from the scene.

The petrol is believed to have been poured in front of the shutter of one of the food and drinks shops on the first floor of the market.

“Two JBPM tracker dogs were used in the investigation. We gathered the five samples for analysis by the chemistry officer at the state JBPM investigation laboratory. The results of the analysis found the five samples to be petrol.

“The petrol was poured in front of the shutter of the Seng Hing food and drinks shop on the first floor and set on fire. JBPM also found something, which was used to light the fire, in a dustbin,” he told a media conference here today.

Based on the results of the investigation, JBPM has submitted a report to the police for further action.

Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Mohamad Hasan regretted that the fire was the result of mischief.

“The state government has to fork out RM6 million to repair the market,” he said.

In the incident which took place at around 7.30pm, the entire first floor of the market was razed. No loss of life was reported. -FMT