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

On August 9, an alleged e-hailing driver, Ang Kam Tong, 58, appeared at the Sessions Court in Kuala Lumpur, charged with the attempted murder of a 62-year-old woman, Gan Siew Teen. According to prosecutors, Ang doused Gan with petrol and set her on fire in Kepong's Taman Pusat Kepong, resulting in severe third-degree burns.

The offence, under Section 307 of the Penal Code, carries a potential 20-year prison sentence. Ang claimed trial, pleading not guilty, before Judge Surita Budin. Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Shakila Shariff objected to bail, citing Ang's attempt to evade arrest and the severity of Gan's condition. On the other hand, defence counsel Lee Keng Fatt argued that Ang is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and that his unmarried client works as an e-hailing driver with no fixed income.

The court granted Ang bail at RM15,000 with one surety, and set the case for mention on September 25.