A man is on the run after dousing an elderly woman with petrol and setting her on fire at a number forecast outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong, Kuala Lumpur.
Acting Sentul district police chief Superintendent Jasni Zolpa said police received an emergency call through MERS999 around 8am on 9 August. The 62-year-old victim, who worked as a counter attendant at the outlet, had been attacked by an unknown suspect who poured a liquid believed to be petrol on her before igniting it, NST reported.
The woman suffered burns to about 50 per cent of her body and was rushed to Kuala Lumpur Hospital, where she is in stable but critical condition, Bernama reported. She remains under treatment.
Preliminary investigations found the victim had no known enemies and had not received any previous threats, Jasni said. The motive is still being investigated.
Police have launched a special operation to track down and arrest the suspect. The Kuala Lumpur contingent police forensic team went to the scene and collected several DNA samples and other items to assist investigations.
The case is being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which covers causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means. Conviction carries a prison term of up to 20 years and a fine or whipping.
Inspector Muhammad Amri Firdaus Jusoh is the investigating officer. Anyone with information is urged to contact him at 010-9198209, the Sentul district police headquarters operations room at 03-40482222, or the nearest police station.
