Manhunt initiated by Malaysian police following alleged wife-burning incident in oil palm estate

MALAYSIA: Penang state Police have initiated a manhunt for a man who allegedly set his wife on fire in a house located within an oil palm estate on Monday (31 Jul).

It is learnt that the couple’s 13-year-old son, who was inside his room, overheard a fight between his parents outside.

He tried to leave the room but the door was latched shut from the outside.

When he did manage to come out, he saw that his mother was on fire at the back of the house and his father was trying to put out the fire. When the fire became bigger, the father fled.

The son then took water from the bathroom to put out the fire before asking the neighbours for help.

Seberang Prai Utara police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Asri Shafie reported that on Monday (31 July) around 10.45 pm, the police were informed about a man who allegedly set his wife on fire using petrol, as reported by New Straits Times.

Acting on the information, he said, a police team went to the scene and found that the victim had been taken by ambulance to the Kepala Batas Hospital for further treatment.

“Investigation at the scene led to the recovery of several exhibits.”The 36-year-old suspect, with four previous records, has since fled into the oil palm estate and we are still tracking him down with the help of the K9 unit,” he said.

Asri said an investigation paper has been opened under Section 326 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means.”Investigations are underway.

Those with information about the incident can contact senior investigation officer Assistant Superintendent Norhaslinda Rahmat at +6012–3811416 or the district’s operations room at +604-5759122 or the nearest police station,” he added.

Asri said the victim sustained second and third-degree burn injuries with about 27.5% of the total surface area affected.

It is learnt that the couple have been married for nearly 15 years and have four children.

They are both working in the oil palm estate and staying in a house provided by their employer.