Suspect Arrested Over Petrol Attack on 62-Year-Old Woman in Kepong

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — Police have arrested a suspect in connection with an attack in which an elderly woman was allegedly doused with a liquid believed to be petrol and set on fire at a number forecast outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong.

Acting Sentul district police chief Supt Jasni Zolpa confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, Aug 18. He said police would provide further details on the case at a press conference the following day.

The incident occurred on Aug 9, 2026, when the 62-year-old victim, who worked at the counter of the premises, was attacked by a man who was unknown to her. Police were alerted to the incident at about 8am.

The woman suffered burns covering approximately 50% of her body and was taken to Kuala Lumpur Hospital. In the initial police update following the attack, her condition was described as stable but critical.

Following the incident, police launched a special operation to track down the person believed to have carried out the attack.

Preliminary investigations at the time found that the victim was not known to have enemies and had not reported receiving threats before the incident. Police said the motive remained under investigation.

The Kuala Lumpur police forensic team also examined the scene and collected several items and DNA samples to assist the investigation.

Police said in their initial statement that the case was being investigated under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which relates to voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

The suspect’s arrest marks a significant development in the investigation, although police had not disclosed the suspect’s identity, age, alleged motive or other details at the time of the first arrest announcement.

As the investigation remains ongoing, the arrested individual should be regarded as a suspect unless and until any charge is brought and proven in court.

Jasni said a press conference would be held to provide more information about the arrest and the investigation.

The case had drawn attention because of the severity of the injuries suffered by the elderly victim and the apparently sudden nature of the attack. Police have so far not publicly confirmed what led to the incident.

The investigation is expected to focus on establishing the suspect’s alleged role, the motive behind the attack and the circumstances leading up to the incident.