Man set on fire while in toilet in Malaysian city

UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT Sudin being taken to hospital after he was set on fire at a shopping complex toilet in George Town. The Star/Asia News Network

GEORGE TOWN, Malaysia—A 56-year-old man is battling for his life after he was set on fire by a man while he was in a toilet at a shopping complex here.

Ayob Sudin, a real estate broker from Tanjung Tokong, suffered 60% burns on his head, face, body and legs during the 9.57 p.m. incident on Thursday.

State Fire and Rescue Department senior assistant investigating officer Mohd Shah Irwan Othman said firemen reached the scene in less than 10 minutes after receiving a distress call.

“We found the victim badly burned but still conscious. We were told he managed to run out from the toilet asking for help and the public put out the fire using a fire extinguisher,” he said at the scene.

Mohd Shah said preliminary investigations showed that somebody had thrown a burning cloth dipped in either kerosene or petrol into the cubicle.

“We are checking the motive for the attack. The case will be handed over to the police for further investigations,” he said.

George Town OCPD Asst Comm Mior Faridalathrash Wahid said the victim was fighting for his life.

“He is being treated at the Red Zone of the Penang Hospital.

“He was initially conscious and told us that he did not see the culprit,” he said.

ACP Mior said CCTV footage showed a man going into the toilet about three minutes ahead of the victim.

“The suspect later came out wearing a helmet and holding a bag which we believe belonged to the victim,” he added.

ACP Mior said the case was being investigated under Section 307 of the Penal Code for attempted murder.

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