Man who allegedly torched himself succumbs to injuries

KANGAR: The man who allegedly torched himself inside a car in Kampung Syed Omar, Bintong, near here succumbed to his injuries on Thursday (Feb 17).

The deceased, who suffered 96% burns earlier, was identified as 28-year-old Chong Wee Seng.

Utusan Online quoted Kangar OCPD Supt Wari Kiew confirming his death.

However, the time of his death was not reported.

Videos of the victim with his body on fire while walking away from a burning car had gone viral on social media.

The victim was believed to have torched himself inside the car after learning that his girlfriend had found a new partner.

The victim, a car accessories shop owner, was rushed to the Tuanku Fauziah Hospital after the 8.40pm incident on a bridge in Kampung Syed Omar, Bintong, on Wednesday (Feb 16).

The car was engulfed in flames when firemen reached the scene. They put out the fire in less than 30 minutes.

Police investigations showed that the victim had been seeking treatment at the Psychiatry Department of Tuanku Fauziah Hospital.

His father had wanted to lodge a police report after the victim claimed he had consumed petrol before driving out of the house before the incident happened.

Those suffering from mental health issues or contemplating suicide can reach out to the Mental Health Psychosocial Support Service (03-2935 9935 or 014-322 3392); Talian Kasih (15999 or 019-261 5999 on WhatsApp); Jakim's (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) family, social and community care centre (011-1959 8214 on WhatsApp); and Befrienders Kuala Lumpur (03-7627 2929 or go to befrienders.org.my/centre-in-malaysia for a full list of numbers nationwide and operating hours, or email [e-mail]).