Indonesian dies in Beluran house fire set by family member

SANDAKAN – An Indonesian was killed when his housemate, who is a fellow countryman and family member, set the residence ablaze yesterday.

The incident occurred in the Ribu Bonus estate in Beluran about 8am.

District police chief Kasim Muda said the victim’s wife witnessed the suspect pouring petrol in the living room.

A blaze then erupted while the suspect, 34, and victim, 29, were still inside.

Other estate workers put out the fire, and the suspect and victim were sent to hospital.

The victim was pronounced dead about 11pm, while the suspect is in critical condition.  

“The suspect and the victim are family. Police are investigating the suspect’s motive. The probe is being conducted under Section 302 of the Penal Code (for murder),” said Kasim.

In another case, a Filipino security guard was slashed to death by two of his compatriots in front of a workers’ dormitory on an oil palm plantation in Ulu Segama, Lahad Datu, yesterday. 

District police chief Rohan Shah Ahmad, in a statement today, said the 29-year-old victim is believed to have gotten into a fight with the men, who are brothers, shortly before 7am.

“Preliminary investigations showed that the victim met the duo to settle some issues, including his dissatisfaction over being belittled by one of the suspects. 

“The argument turned into a fight, and the guard ended up being slashed on the head, shoulders, arms and feet. He died at the scene.”

Five people aged between 18 and 35, including a woman, were arrested, but the brothers escaped, he said.

Police are looking for the duo, identified only as Darwin, 35, and Darin, 25.

Those with information on the incident can contact investigating officer Khairuddin Husain at 013-907-1709 or the nearest police station. –The Vibes, April 19, 2021