An e-hailing driver who allegedly set a lottery worker on fire in Kepong early this month has pleaded not guilty to a charge of attempted murder.
The accused, 59-year-old Ang Kam Dong, made the plea after the charge was read out by an interpreter at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today, reported Sin Chew Daily.
Under Section 307 of the Penal Code, Ang faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years and a fine, while if the act causes injury, it can be punished with a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, if convicted.
Ang’s lawyer, Lee Keng Fatt, applied for bail and told the court that his client is single and had no fixed income, adding that his siblings may be able to stand as sureties.
The court then granted Ang bail of RM15,000 with one surety and fixed Sept 25 for mention and submission of documents, reported NST.
Details of the case
On Aug 9, Ang allegedly stormed into a lottery outlet and doused a 62-year-old female worker in petrol before setting her alight and fleeing the scene.
She suffered burns to 50% of her body and still remains in a critical condition.
For the next nine days, Ang evaded capture from police by seeking shelter at several temples in Selangor before returning to his home on Aug 18 as he thought public attention had died down.
Unfortunately for Ang, police had been keeping watch near his residence and arrested him when he returned.
It is also understood that investigators managed to confirm Ang’s identity after discovering that he had suffered burns to his left hand during the attack.
Bore grudge over lottery ticket
Additionally, earlier media reports mentioned that Ang had become disgruntled and harboured a grudge after he was unable to produce a winning ticket to claim his prize.
Police also believed that Ang had planned the attack for a year before carrying it out.
