TAIPING: A goreng pisang and apam balik seller confessed in the Sessions Court to setting fire to a motorcycle last Thursday, expressing deep regret over her actions. Zainatul Rafeda Zainul Abidin, 43, admitted her guilt as the charge was read before Judge Nabisha Ibrahim, acknowledging her role in the incident that led to the destruction of a Honda RSX motorcycle.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Zainatul was charged with mischief by fire, aware that her actions would damage the motorcycle, which belonged to 22-year-old Zainatul Syakira Amira Zaini. The incident took place at Jalan Masjid Pokok Assam around 3.50 pm on December 26. The charge falls under Section 435 of the Penal Code, which could result in up to 14 years of imprisonment and a fine if convicted.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Fahmi Kamaluddin recommended a bail amount of RM20,000, also advising that Zainatul be restricted from contacting the complainant. However, National Legal Aid Foundation lawyer Ng Wei Jun, who represented Zainatul, sought a reduced bail, arguing her limited monthly income of approximately RM1,000, her responsibility for four children, and her husband’s partial paralysis following a stroke.

During the proceedings, Judge Nabisha inquired about the accused’s situation, leading Zainatul to plead for the lowest possible bail, highlighting her status as a first-time offender. The judge agreed to set bail at RM4,000 with one surety, adhering to the prosecution’s condition, and scheduled January 14 for the case’s facts submission and sentencing.

Media reports on December 27 brought attention to the case, detailing how the trader, facing the repossession of the motorcycle due to 20 months of missed payments, decided to set the vehicle on fire. A video capturing the incident quickly gained traction on social media platforms, drawing significant public attention.