Molotov cocktail attack damages convenience store, no injuries

KUCHING: A Molotov cocktail attack is believed to have triggered a fire at a 24-hour convenience store near Emart Batu Kawah on Saturday night.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which prompted the owner and his son to put out the flames themselves before the fire had a chance to spread to other parts of the store.

Padawan deputy police chief DSP Merbin Lisa when contacted said the 48-year- old owner and his 19-year-old son were manning the counter when they saw four strangers gather in front of the premises around 9.15pm.

“The men set six Molotov cocktails alight and flung the incendiary devices into the premises before fleeing the scene.

“Only two of the six bottles exploded and triggered a fire, resulting in about 10 per cent damage to the store,” he said.

Merbin added that firemen were deployed to the scene following a distress call but were told upon arrival that the owner and his son had managed to douse the flames on their own using fire extinguishers.

He said the store had been operating for a year and was equipped with security cameras.

“Initial investigation revealed that the owner has no debts or enemies. We are in the process of identifying and searching for the suspects,” he said, while urging witnesses to assist in the investigation.

The case is being investigated as mischief by fire under Section 436 of the Penal Code.