Customs official’s house torched
> Act believed to be linked to enforcement action conducted by officer, say police
PUTRAJAYA: In what is believed to be retaliation for enforcement action, arsonists set fire to the government quarters residence of a Customs Department principal assistant director here yesterday.
In the 3.30am incident in Jalan P11/1, Presinct 11, Nur Azman Mat Jini, 59, attached to the GST enforcement division, lost a Mercedes Benz belonging to his wife and his daughter’s Perodua Myvi. His Honda CRV and his son-in-law’s Proton Saga were also damaged.
Nur Azman and his family managed to escape unhurt through a back door after being alerted by a neighbour.
Putrajaya police chief ACP Rosly Hassan said the neighbour heard an explosion and rushed out of his house to investigate.
Rosly said the man saw the Mercedes Benz on fire and shouted for Nur Azman and his family to get out of the house.
“Preliminary investigations show elements of arson in the case. We found a hammer on the bonnet of the Mercedes and a lighter on the floor, items which we suspect were used by the arsonists,” he said.
Putrajaya Fire and Rescue Department director Md Hilman Abd Rashid said the department will conduct a thorough investigation.
Customs deputy director-general (enforcement and compliance) Datuk Zulkifli Yahya said he is waiting for reports from the police and the Fire and Rescue Department.