A 50-year-old Chinese man is scheduled to appear in court on Sept 26 after police arrested him for allegedly causing a fire at the entrance of Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali in Singapore. Law enforcement officers were alerted to the blaze outside the mosque, located at 80 Raffles Place in the basement of UOB Plaza, at approximately 9 pm on Sept 25.
Investigation Details and Arrest
Preliminary police investigations indicate that the suspect placed an oil tin at the mosque entrance. He then allegedly set fire to an undergarment placed inside the tin before leaving the area. A member of the public extinguished the fire, and officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
Authorities identified and apprehended the man through ground enquiries and the review of camera footage. Police also seized a lighter as evidence at the scene.
Legal Charges and Official Stance
The suspect faces a court appearance on Sept 26 for causing or contributing to the risk of a dangerous fire. Under the law, this offense carries a potential imprisonment term of up to one year, a fine, or both. In their public statement, police emphasized a zero-tolerance approach toward acts that endanger public safety, stating they “will not hesitate to act against those who blatantly disregard the law.”
Did You Know? Masjid Moulana Mohamed Ali is situated in the basement of UOB Plaza at 80 Raffles Place.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the suspect appear in court?
The 50-year-old man is scheduled to be charged in court on Sept 26.
What are the specific allegations against the man?
He is accused of placing an oil tin containing a burning undergarment at the entrance of a mosque and causing or contributing to the risk of a dangerous fire.
Were there any injuries reported from the incident?
No injuries were reported, as a member of the public extinguished the fire before authorities arrived.
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