A MALAYSIAN man has pleaded guilty to setting fire to the front door of a Singaporean family’s flat in an incident that endangered seven occupants, including two young children.
The accused, identified as Vellu Pillai P Sivakkumar, admitted in court on 4 May to carrying out the act in December 2023 after being promised S$2,500.
He had also locked the unit’s gate with a bicycle lock, preventing the family from escaping.
According to court proceedings, Sivakkumar, who was facing financial difficulties at the time, initially declined the offer but later accepted after receiving a S$400 deposit.
He travelled to Singapore, obtained the payment, and was later given the target address.
In the early hours of 8 December 2023, he siphoned petrol into a bottle, secured the unit’s gate, and set the door ablaze before fleeing the scene.
He also photographed the fire and sent it to the individual who had hired him.
The fire was discovered by one of the occupants, who alerted the rest of the household. Authorities arrived after the blaze had subsided, and all residents were evacuated safely.
Damage to the unit, including digital locks, was estimated at around S$4,000.
Investigations revealed the homeowner had outstanding debts and had allegedly received threats from multiple parties, though it remains unclear if the arson was linked to those disputes.
Sivakkumar surrendered to Malaysian police in September 2025 and was subsequently handed over to Singapore authorities.
His lawyer told the court he committed the offence to cover medical expenses for his pregnant wife and sought leniency, citing his guilty plea.
Sentencing has been adjourned to 22 May, with an additional charge of wrongful confinement to be considered.
He faces up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine. – May 6, 2026
