The suspect is currently under observation at the hospital.
SIBU: Mukah police have arrested a 31-year-old man suspected of involvement in the fire which completely burnt down five-door Rumah Tingang Ajang in Sungai Sebakong, Mukah earlier this morning.
The suspect was also suffering from neck injuries, believed to be self inflicted, when he was arrested.
Mukah district police chief DSP Jimmy Panyau said the suspect’s wife had told the police that she saw her husband pouring petrol on the floor of their room late last night.
“After lighting the petrol on fire, he fled outside,” he said in a media statement.
In the blaze, a total of 36 occupants were rendered homeless after the fire completely destroyed their five-door longhouse this morning.
Jimmy said initial investigations revealed that there was no family quarrel between husband and wife before the incident.
“We were told by his wife that there were no family issues before the suspect allegedly set the room on fire and fled,” he added.
The suspect is currently under observation at Mukah Hospital.
Jimmy said the case will be investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for causing mischief by fire and under Section 309 of the Penal Code for attempted suicide.