ALOR STAR: Police are tracking down an arsonist behind a string of attacks on properties in Baling since Dec 24.
In just over two weeks, the arsonist has left one shop lot, six houses, two cars and 11 motorcycles damaged.
The attacks were spread out across six villages.
These are only the cases the authorities are aware of, as only seven reports have been lodged.
"There may have been other cases where residents extinguished fires on their own without lodging reports," said Kedah Fire and Rescue Department investigation division assistant director Amran Jusoh.
He told the New Straits Times that most of the attacks occurred between 2am and 4am, while most people were asleep.
He added that forensic results are pending, but confirmed that natural causes have been ruled out.
Baling police chief Superintendent Azmi Mokhtar said they were hot on the trail of the arsonist.
They have arrested eight men, aged 25 to 35, to assist in investigations.
However, none of the men — who are believed to be involved in petty theft and drugs — have confessed to the crimes.
Closed-circuit television cameras have captured footage of the attacks, but the authorities are tight-lipped on what the footage shows as investigations are ongoing.
Azmi, however, dismissed speculation that the fires were linked to supernatural practices in the area.
The case is being probed under Section 427 of the Penal Code for mischief and causing damage.
Amran advised Baling residents to adopt precautionary measures.
"We recommend that residents prepare fire extinguishers to prevent fires from spreading while waiting for emergency responders," he said.
Previously, it was reported that residents in Kupang, Baling, were worried about the fires in the area.