59-Year-Old E-Hailing Driver Remanded Seven Days Over Kepong Petrol Attack

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026 — A 59-year-old man has been remanded for seven days in connection with an investigation into an attack on an elderly woman who was allegedly doused with a liquid believed to be petrol and set on fire at a number forecast outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong earlier this month.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus said the suspect, who works as an e-hailing driver, was arrested on Aug 18 and remanded beginning Wednesday to assist investigations under Section 326 of the Penal Code.

The investigation remains ongoing, and the suspect has not been convicted of any offence.

Police also seized several items believed to be connected to the incident.

According to Fadil, the items included a beverage bottle containing liquid suspected to be petrol, a helmet, a shirt, a Yamaha 135LC motorcycle, and a motorcycle key set together with its road tax.

The seized materials are expected to form part of the evidence examined by investigators as they reconstruct the events surrounding the attack.

Fadil said preliminary police investigations found that the suspect had admitted involvement in the incident, allegedly because he was dissatisfied with the victim. Police also found that the man had no previous criminal record.

That statement reflects the police investigation at this stage and does not amount to a court finding of guilt.

Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed further details about the alleged dispute between the suspect and victim or the circumstances that led up to the attack.

The case stems from an incident on Aug 9, when an elderly woman working at the premises was attacked.

She suffered burns covering approximately 50% of her body after being splashed with a liquid believed to be petrol and set alight.

The severity of her injuries triggered a police operation to identify and locate the person believed to have carried out the attack.

The seven-day remand gives investigators additional time to examine the seized evidence, establish the sequence of events and determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

Police are investigating the case under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which deals with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.

Further investigative steps may include forensic examination of the seized items, analysis of available surveillance footage and interviews with witnesses or individuals connected to the case.

The suspect’s arrest represents a major development in a case that drew public attention because of the serious injuries suffered by the victim.

However, investigations remain active, and any allegation against the suspect will ultimately need to be established through the legal process if charges are brought.

Police have not announced whether additional arrests are expected or whether the investigation could be reclassified under another provision of the law.

For now, the 59-year-old man remains in police custody under the seven-day remand order while investigators continue gathering evidence related to the Kepong attack.