Cops remand 2 men in Kuching over convenience store attack

Policing authorities in Kuching have temporarily detained two men, aged 40 and 23, for three days following a suspected arson attack at a convenience store. The incident occurred on Sunday, when the suspects allegedly threw an object into the store, leading to two explosions and a fire. The Kuching magistrates' court issued the remand order to aid an ongoing investigation under Section 436 of the Penal Code, which pertains to mischief by fire or explosives, according to Dayak Daily.

The Kuching police chief, Alexson Naga Chabu, disclosed that the two culprits evaded capture for two days before police apprehended the 40-year-old suspect in Sibu on Wednesday afternoon. The younger accomplice was taken into custody at a cafe in Sarikei the previous night. Chabu suggested that the police connection extends to a second suspected arson case reported in Sri Aman on Sunday, which involves another outlet of the same convenience store chain.

Furthermore, Chabu mentioned that the police are probing allegations of the stores being involved in the sale of online gambling "top-ups." If these claims are substantiated, Chabu stated that the authorities will take action against the establishments, even considering revoking their business licenses.