A 77-year-old man allegedly took drastic action after becoming frustrated with his neighbour’s loud radio, carrying a bottle believed to contain petrol and paper to the neighbour’s home before setting the paper alight.
The incident was captured on video and later circulated on social media, attracting public attention.
In the footage, the shirtless elderly man can be seen holding what appeared to be a newspaper and a bottle believed to contain petrol. He then placed the paper outside the neighbour’s home before setting it on fire.
The flames reportedly spread within minutes, prompting the man to leave the scene. During the incident, someone recording the video could also be heard telling him to stop.
Another video showed police later arriving at the residence to investigate and speaking with the elderly man and his family.
According to the man’s family, the dispute between the neighbours had been ongoing for years. They claimed the neighbour had frequently played a radio at full volume since the man was young, resulting in a long-running disagreement.
Temerloh district police chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Nasihin confirmed that the incident took place on August 14 at Sri Kemuning flats in Temerloh.
He said the fire was brought under control before anyone was injured.
Police launched an investigation after receiving a report and arrested the 77-year-old man, who is understood to have a medical condition.
He has since been released on police bail pending further investigation.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, which saw a long-standing neighbourhood noise dispute escalate into an alleged arson case.
