Cops remand 2 men in Kuching over convenience store attack

 The duo, aged 40 and 23, are believed to have thrown an object inside the outlet, causing two explosions and a fire, on Sunday.

The remand order against the suspects is to facilitate an investigation under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosives. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Police have remanded two men, aged 40 and 23, for three days in connection with a fire believed to have been deliberately started at a convenience store in Kuching, Sarawak, on Sunday.

The remand order issued by the Kuching magistrates’ court is to facilitate an investigation under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosives, Dayak Daily reported.

Previously, Kuching police chief Alexson Naga Chabu had said that two men went to the Sin Sin Park store on Jalan Green at about 8.30pm and threw an object inside, causing two explosions and a fire.

They were alleged to have evaded arrest for two days before police apprehended the 40-year-old man at a house in Sibu yesterday afternoon.

The other man was arrested at a cafe in Sarikei last night.

Alexson said police had linked the investigation to a second suspected arson attack reported in Sri Aman on Sunday, involving another outlet of the same convenience store chain.

He said police were also looking into claims that the stores were selling online gambling “top-ups” and would take action, including applying to the local authorities to revoke their business licences, if the claims were proven to be true.- FMT