E-Hailing driver charged with attempted murder after allegedly setting number forecast worker ablaze

An e-hailing driver, Ang Kam Tong, 59, appeared in court today to plead not guilty to an attempted murder charge for setting a lottery outlet worker, Gan Siew Teen, 62, on fire, resulting in severe third-degree burns. The incident occurred at around 7:51 am on August 9th, at a lottery outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong. Ang claimed trial when the charge was read out in court.

If found guilty, Ang faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison under Section 307(1) of the Penal Code. Deputy public prosecutor Nur Shakila Mohd Shariff asked the court to deny bail, citing the severity of the victim's burns and the suspect's attempt to flee during his arrest. However, Ang's lawyer Lee Keng Fatt requested bail, noting the accused's lack of fixed income, unmarried status, and potential sureties from his siblings.

The court granted Ang bail for RM15,000 with one surety, and set the next court date for September 25th for further submissions. During the incident, Gan was unlocking the premises when Ang approached her, doused her with petrol, ignited a lighter, and threw it at her before escaping on foot. Gan suffered burns on her face, neck, arms, and body, living within walking distance of her workplace.