A terrifying case of mistaken identity unfolded in Penang when loan sharks allegedly set fire to a house after pasting a threatening note — but targeted the wrong address. The incident led to a raging blaze that destroyed three homes, along with several vehicles, in what is believed to be an act of arson gone horribly wrong.
According to Malaysian resident Mohamad Asrul, who recounted the ordeal on Facebook, petrol stains and paint splashes were discovered outside his and his neighbours’ houses on 16 June. A half-empty petrol bottle was also found, alongside a handwritten note warning a woman — who did not live at any of the affected properties — to repay her loan or face her house being burned down.
The note shockingly listed an address at No. 42, while Mr Asrul’s house and his neighbours’ homes were numbered 3 and 5, indicating the perpetrators had gotten the location disastrously wrong.
Fire Engulfs Homes, Destroys Cars And Motorcycles
Despite reporting the suspicious materials to police in Tasek Gelugor, Mr Asrul claimed officers failed to follow up, even though he made it clear his home did not match the address on the note. A week later, in the early hours of 24 June, chaos erupted when flames engulfed the three houses. Mr Asrul’s neighbours frantically alerted him by sounding their car horns and shaking his gate, giving him just enough time to climb over the fence and escape.
The fire quickly spread, gutting all three connected properties. Five cars and four motorcycles parked nearby were also destroyed. Miraculously, no injuries were reported, but the damage was extensive, raising concerns about the rising brutality of loan sharks in Malaysia.
Investigation Underway Into Suspected Loan Shark Arson
The local police chief confirmed that a report had been lodged, with authorities treating the case as suspected arson. Investigations are ongoing, pending a detailed forensic report from the Fire and Rescue Department. Penang Fire and Rescue assistant director John Sagun Francis stated that emergency services were alerted to the fire at 4.52am, and it was fully extinguished by 5.59am.
This alarming incident has underscored the need for stronger measures to curb illegal moneylending activities in Malaysia and to ensure homeowners’ safety. It also highlights the importance of property damage insurance and neighbourhood vigilance in the face of escalating criminal tactics by loan sharks.