Loan Shark Runner Sets Wrong House on Fire, Faces 36 Years’ Jail

A 46-year-old woman hired as a runner for loan sharks in Kluang, Johor, was instructed to set fire to a house in the early hours of September 5. But she targeted the wrong home.

Four people were inside at the time, and the blaze spread, damaging four neighbouring houses in the same row. Fortunately, all residents managed to escape unharmed.

According to reports, the runner had intended to target the son of the house’s former owner.

Today (Sep 22), she was charged with five counts of arson and criminal intimidation, offences that could carry a maximum jail term of 36 years.

Appearing in court in a T-shirt and shorts, she reportedly showed little concern for the media’s presence, even glancing around with a curious expression.

She faces three charges of arson, with a maximum jail sentence of 14 years and a fine, one charge of intentionally setting fire to a house, with a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and a fine, and another charge under criminal intimidation, with a maximum jail sentence of two years, a fine, or both.

According to police reports, the runner only started working for loan sharks in early September, and is suspected of being hired to carry out multiple arson attempts

She is believed to have used petrol bombs in the attacks and allegedly left written threats to intimidate those with outstanding debts. Malaysian media also reported that she was paid about 1,300 ringgit (S$397) for each job.

Photos: Chinapress