A shocking case of mistaken identity unfolded in Kluang, Johor, when a 46-year-old Malaysian woman allegedly set fire to the wrong house in an attempt to intimidate a debtor. The incident, which happened at around 3am on 5 September, resulted in severe damage to multiple homes and left innocent residents traumatised.
According to local reports, the woman, believed to be linked to loan shark activities, hurled petrol bombs at a terrace house in Taman Permai. The blaze quickly spread, engulfing not only the targeted house but also four neighbouring units. Firefighters were called in to bring the flames under control.
Johor police confirmed that the suspect was arrested the next day at about 3am. She is currently being remanded for seven days to assist with investigations. Officers noted that the woman had no prior criminal record.
Current Residents Narrowly Escaped
Tragically, the debtor the woman was pursuing had already moved out of the targeted home. The current owner, Qiu, who now lives there with her husband and two children, became the unintended victim.
The family was asleep when the attack began. Fortunately, neighbours spotted the fire early and triggered a car alarm to wake them. Thanks to this quick response, the family of four managed to escape unharmed.
However, the fire destroyed most of their house, badly damaged the courtyards, and left two cars nearly burnt out. A threatening note was also found at the scene, further fuelling suspicions of loan shark involvement.
Previous Owner Claims Loan Scam
The previous homeowner later stepped forward, claiming he was the victim of a forced loan scam. Working in Singapore, he alleged that loan sharks had forcibly transferred RM32,868 (around S$10,036) into his bank account before falsely accusing him of borrowing money.
He said he plans to lodge police reports both in Singapore and in Kluang to clear his name.
Kluang police chief Assistant Commissioner Bahrin confirmed investigations are ongoing, stressing that the authorities take such cases of arson and illegal moneylending very seriously.
This case has left residents shaken, with many calling for stronger action against illegal moneylending syndicates, which continue to endanger innocent families.