E-hailing driver charged with attempted murder after setting woman on fire in Kepong

An e-hailing driver, Ang Kam Tong, 58, appeared in Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur, charged with attempted murder for allegedly setting a 62-year-old woman, Gan Siew Teen, on fire in Kepong earlier this month. According to prosecutors, Ang doused Gan with petrol and set her ablaze at a betting outlet in Taman Pusat Kepong, Sentul, around 7:51 am on August 9.

The attack left Gan with severe third-degree burns, and Ang faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if convicted under Section 307 of the Penal Code. The defendant pleaded not guilty, arguing that he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. His defense counsel, Lee Keng Fatt, noted that Ang is unmarried and works as an e-hailing driver with no fixed income, and that his siblings were willing to post bail on his behalf.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Shakila Shariff opposed bail, citing Ang's attempt to evade arrest and the extent of Gan's injuries. The court granted bail at RM15,000 with one surety and set the case for mention on September 25.