BALING: Police have not ruled out the possibility that arson was involved in the fires that erupted at nine homes in the district between Dec 24 and Jan 2.
According to Buletin Utama, district police chief Superintendent Azmi Mokhtar said investigations by the Kedah Fire and Rescue Department had classified the incidents as ordinary fires.
"In one case, the fire started with a motorcycle about 3.30am before it spread to houses."
Police have questioned 13 people who were at the scene of the fires. Eight of them, aged 25 to 35, were detained to assist in the investigation.
The case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief and causing damage. Offenders face up to five years' jail, or a fine, or both, upon conviction.
Azmi said of the eight suspects, one was suspected of involvement in the theft of a donation box at a mosque in Kuala Ketil, five were believed to be drug users and two were suspected to be drug dealers.
Residents held a solat hajat to seek protection following the fires that damaged vehicles and homes.