A 33-year-old Malaysian man has pleaded guilty in Singapore after allegedly locking the gate of a residential flat and setting its entrance on fire in exchange for cash.
The case, which involved a family with two young children trapped inside the unit during the incident, has drawn significant attention due to the dangerous nature of the attack and its alleged connection to unpaid debts linked to scam activities.
According to court proceedings, the accused, identified as Vellu Pillai P Sivakkumar, admitted to one charge of committing mischief by fire with intent to cause damage to property. Another charge involving wrongful confinement of the occupants will be considered during sentencing.
The targeted flat was occupied by a 41-year-old Singaporean man, his wife, two children aged three and nine, his sister, and his elderly parents at the time of the fire, reported CNA.
Alleged Scam Debts Believed To Be Motive Behind Attack
Court documents reportedly stated that the occupant had allegedly scammed multiple individuals and later faced mounting pressure from people demanding repayment with interest. Threats were also allegedly made against him over the financial disputes.
The Singaporean man is currently still under investigation for the alleged scam offences.
Investigations revealed that Sivakkumar, who lived in Johor Bahru, had been struggling financially in late 2023 and was actively searching for odd jobs through friends in Malaysia. He was eventually contacted by an unknown individual who allegedly offered him S$2,500 to lock a residential gate and set the unit on fire.
He initially rejected the proposal but later changed his mind after being promised a S$400 upfront deposit.
The following day, he reportedly met an unidentified man who handed him the cash deposit in an envelope. He later received the target address and prepared for the job by purchasing a bicycle lock.
Fire Broke Out Rapidly Outside Flat
In the early hours of Dec. 8, 2023, Sivakkumar allegedly siphoned petrol from his motorcycle into a water bottle before travelling to the flat.
To avoid identification, he reportedly changed his clothes, wore a mask, and even opened an umbrella while climbing the stairwell to block surveillance cameras from capturing his face clearly.
Upon reaching the unit, he used the bicycle lock to secure the metal gate from the outside before splashing petrol across the door and gate area. He then ignited the fuel.
Court documents stated that the flames spread faster than expected, forcing him to step backwards to avoid getting burned himself.
He allegedly took a photograph of the burning entrance and sent it to the person who hired him before fleeing the scene.
The occupant’s father later woke up after smelling smoke and hearing what he described as a loud explosion. The family quickly evacuated after discovering the fire outside their home.
Fortunately, nobody suffered injuries during the incident. However, the blaze caused scorch damage to the entrance area and destroyed digital locks installed on the door and gate, with repair costs estimated at around S$4,000.
Arrested After Surrendering To Malaysian Authorities
After leaving Singapore shortly after the attack, Sivakkumar remained in Johor Bahru while investigations continued.
He was eventually arrested on Sep. 4, 2025, after surrendering himself to Malaysian authorities. He was later handed over to the Singapore Police Force at Woodlands Checkpoint.
He has remained in remand since being charged in court and is expected to return for sentencing on May 22, 2026.
Under Singapore law, the offence of mischief by fire carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment, alongside a possible fine.