GEORGE TOWN: Two men believed to be members of a loan shark (ah long) syndicate have been arrested on suspicion of involvement in arson attacks on three houses and nine vehicles resulting in RM300,000 in damages.
Penang deputy police chief Datuk Mohd Alwi Zainal Abidin said in a statement that the local men both in their 20s, were arrested in separate raids around the state on July 3 by the Penang Commercial Crime Investigation Division team.
"The men were arrested as they were believed to be involved in an incident where a house was sprayed with paint in Tanjong Tokong on June 30.
"During the investigation, the suspects confessed to their involvement in the fire that destroyed three double-storey terrace houses, five cars, and four motorcycles in Taman Tasek Gelugor Utama on the mainland, on June 24 (2025).
"The incident resulted in about RM300,000 in losses.
"The suspects are believed to be involved in five cases of spraying paint on premises which are under investigation, as well," he said in the statement on Tuesday (July 15).
Comm Mohd Alwi said during the arrests they confiscated a motorcycle, a pair of spot rims and a helmet among other items.
He said the case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for arson.
"If convicted they face a prison sentence of up to 20 years and a fine," he said.
He then urged the public to come forward to the police if they are being harassed or have received threats from individuals or loan shark syndicates.
"This will allow us to take appropriate action," he said.
It was reported on June 24, 2025, that three terraced houses, five cars, and four motorcycles were destroyed in an early morning fire in Taman Tasek Gelugor Utama.
Penang Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Director of Operations John Sagun Francis said the fire department received an emergency call reporting the blaze at 4.52am.
"The fire was extinguished at 5.59am and no casualties were reported in the incident," he said.
