Technician fears for family's safety after car torched in porch

IPOH: A technician in Bercham fears for his family's safety after a car in the porch of his house was set on fire.

Believing it to be the act of loan sharks targeting his nephew, Leong Khet Loong, 63, said the family was worried that the perpetrators would return and commit further harmful acts.

Leong said since the 2.30am incident on Monday (Oct 3), he and his family had not slept.

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"I have already lodged a police report.

"We hope the police will catch the person responsible for setting fire to my wife's car as soon as possible," he told a press conference held by Bercham assemblyman Ong Boon Piow at Lorong Bercham 9.

"My family has nowhere else to go... I pray we will not be targeted again," he added.

Leong maintained that neither he nor his immediate family members had borrowed money from loan sharks.

"I found a note in my mailbox that was addressed to my nephew, so I believe he is the one the perpetrators are looking for.

"This house is our ancestral home and he used to stay here, but his family moved out about 10 years ago," he said.

"My nephew is also working abroad and his mother is trying to contact him about this.

"We are also unsure whether or not he borrowed from loan sharks," he added.

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On the incident, Leong said he and his family were sound asleep when it occurred.

"My wife and I were awoken by our neighbour's shouts of fire and smoke.

"We woke up and saw smoke filling our bedroom.

"We ran downstairs and put out the fire before it got out of control," he said, adding that the back of his wife's car was badly damaged.

"My car also sustained some damage," he added.

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Ong said loan sharks or those who are chasing after debts need to rethink their actions.

"It was fortunate that the car did not explode, causing injuries or worse, deaths.

"They should not resort to such methods that could endanger innocent lives," he said.

"I will get in touch with the police, urging them to investigate the matter.

"The affected family also needs their names cleared, as people may think they borrowed from loan sharks," he added.