AN arsonist and a mosquito coil are believed to have set off two fires that destroyed 26 cars and six motorcycles in Cheras and Setapak within four hours yesterday morning.
Six hours later, another fire in Segambut razed 50 squatter homes leaving 250 people homeless.
In the first incident, police said six motorcycles and a car were destroyed during the arson attack in Desa Sri Putri apartment at 3.30am on the first floor of the apartment car park.
Cheras police chief ACP Mohan Singh said the Salak Selatan police patrol was dispatched to the scene at the first floor of the apartment car park.
“All vehicles were destroyed in the attack. Investigations are underway but so far no eye witnesses have come forward to assist in the investigation.” Mohan said although there were CCTV cameras in the car
park they did not cover the whole area and the suspect’s image or the incident itself was not captured.
Police also did not find any items that may have started the fire.
In the second incident a fire believed to be caused by a mosquito coil destroyed 25 vehicles at a mechanic shop in Jalan Usahawan, Setapak, early yesterday morning.
The 6am incident also razed three wooden houses located beside the mechanic shop and the damage is estimated to be almost RM1 million.
The fire left 19 people homeless but no injuries or casualties were reported.
Setapak Fire and Rescue Station operation chief Suki Anuar said four trucks and 26 firemen were rushed to the scene after a call was received at 6.22am.
“The fire had almost razed the workshop, and the cars that were sent for repair were parked outside. We managed to contain the fire within half an hour and to completely put it out at 7am.”
In the third incident, 50 houses located at Kampung Segambut Bahagia were destroyed, leaving about 250 people homeless.
Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department Senior Assistant Supt M. Letchumanan said there were no casualties or injuries in the 12.37pm fire.
"We believe the fire started from village houses. We are still investigating the cause and estimated losses," said Letchumanan.
He said his men also experienced difficulty in sourcing water because there were no fire hydrants around.
Eight fire engines with 90 firemen from the city and Selayang put the fire out by 1.15pm.
