Masked Man Sets 62-Year-Old Woman on Fire at Kepong Betting Outlet

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 – Police are searching for a masked man who allegedly poured a liquid believed to be petrol on a 62-year-old woman before setting her on fire at a number-forecast outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong.

The incident occurred on Sunday morning while the victim, who worked as a counter attendant at the premises, was preparing to open the outlet for business.

Acting Sentul district police chief Superintendent Jasni Zolpa said police received a call about the incident at approximately 8am.

Initial information indicated that the victim had been attacked by an unidentified man before suffering severe burn injuries.

The woman was rushed to Kuala Lumpur Hospital for treatment after sustaining burns to her face, neck, hands and body.

Authorities said she suffered burns affecting approximately 50% of her body and was reported to be in critical but stable condition.

Preliminary investigations found that the victim had no known enemies and had not received any threats before the attack.

Police are therefore continuing investigations to determine the motive behind the assault and establish whether the woman had been specifically targeted.

The Kuala Lumpur police contingent’s forensic team was deployed to the scene to gather evidence.

Several DNA samples and items believed to be relevant to the investigation were collected from the premises for further analysis.

Police have opened an investigation under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

Following the attack, authorities launched a special operation to identify and arrest the suspect.

Investigators are expected to review available surveillance footage, forensic evidence and witness accounts as they attempt to establish the suspect’s movements before and after the incident.

The attack has drawn attention because it occurred at the entrance of a commercial premises in a populated area of Kepong and involved the use of a flammable substance against the victim.

Police have urged members of the public not to speculate about the motive while the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist investigators has been asked to contact investigating officer Inspector Muhammad Amri Firdaus Jusoh at 010-9198209 or the Sentul district police operations room at 03-4048 2222. Members of the public may also provide information at the nearest police station.