2 nabbed over JB fireworks blaze involving stall, food truck

 Johor deputy police chief Hoo Chuan Huat says one suspect was arrested in Kulai today, while the other was nabbed in Kampung Melayu Majidee.

Johor deputy police chief Hoo Chuan Huat said an initial investigation found that the fire was caused by a generator used by one of the suspects at his fireworks stall. (Bernama pic)

JOHOR BAHRU:

 Johor police have arrested two men, aged between 30 and 35, in connection with a fire at a fireworks stall and a food truck in Majidee here on March 23.

Johor deputy police chief Hoo Chuan Huat said an initial investigation found that the fire was caused by a generator used by one of the suspects at his fireworks stall.

He said the fire subsequently spread to the other suspect’s stall, causing the entire stock of fireworks to catch fire and explode, before engulfing a nearby parked food truck.

“The estimated loss from the incident is RM50,000. However, no fatalities or injuries were reported,” he said at a press conference held in conjunction with the 219th Police Day assembly at the Johor police contingent headquarters today.

Hoo said one suspect was arrested in Kulai at 11.15am today, and the other was nabbed in Kampung Melayu Majidee at 12.30pm.

He said one of the suspects had a valid licence to sell, possess and purchase fireworks.

Both suspects will be brought before the Johor Bahru magistrates’ court tomorrow for a remand application to assist in the investigation.

Separately, Hoo said, 66 police reports involving various fireworks-related offences had been lodged since the start of Ramadan. - FMT