Sandakan Arsonist Gets 10-Year Jail

SANDAKAN - A man responsible for a fire that burnt nearly 200 houses after he torched his home was jailed 10 years by the Sessions Court here.

Judge Egusra Ali handed down the sentence after Saudin Musa, 33, pleaded guilty to the charge under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy a house.

He committed the offence at Kampung Disayang, Batu Sapi on Feb 4 at about 9.30am.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Mohd Faisal Mohd Noor in seeking for a stiff penalty said Saudin has previous convictions for molest, house breaking and drug abuse.

"The crime he committed not only causes destruction and loss of property to his own family and neighbours but also endangered the lives of others.

"According to a report from the Fire and Rescue Department, the losses incurred by the residents was estimated at RM2.5 million. It was fortunate there were no loss of lives," he said.

Egusra said Saudin's actions had caused many innocent people to lose their properties.