An unemployed man in Johor Bahru has been sentenced to five years in prison and fined RM6,000 for setting a Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) tow truck on fire.
Wan Muhammad Nasrul W Ahmad, 31, admitted to pouring petrol over the vehicle and lighting it up at the MBJB vehicle depot at Johor Bahru Waterfront on Aug 15.
The fire caused losses estimated at RM24,000, according to police. He was arrested by police shortly after the incident.
Why he did it
In court, Wan Muhammad told the judge he acted out of anger after his Perodua Axia was impounded the day before.
Despite being offered a discounted compound of RM250, he said he was unable to pay as he was in debt and had only just started looking for work.
I was angry because my car was towed. Even with the discount, I had no money. I only wanted my car back,” he said during mitigation.
According to NST and Sinar Harian, deputy public prosecutor Siti Fatimah Mamu argued that the act of arson endangered both council staff and the public, calling for a deterrent sentence.
Judge Thalha Bachok @ Embok Mok agreed, ruling that public interest outweighed the accused’s personal grievances.
He was sentenced to five years in jail and fined RM6,000, where failing to pay the fine would add another six months’ to his jail term.
