The fire broke out at 8:30 a.m. on 14/8 at a nursing home in Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia.

Padang Besar police chief Mohd Shokri Abdullah said the center houses 20 elderly residents. The suspect was identified through security camera footage. "The 81-year-old man started the fire in a cupboard in the kitchen, which then spread to the main hall," Abdullah said.

The fire destroyed 50% of the building.

Part of the nursing home in Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia, set on fire by an 81-year-old man on the morning of 14/8. Photo: Ihsan PDRM

Part of the nursing home in Padang Besar, Perlis, Malaysia, set on fire by an 81-year-old man on the morning of 14/8. Photo: Ihsan PDRM

The man was reportedly upset with the management. He wanted to accompany his girlfriend, also a resident of the home, to the town of Kangar to purchase a hearing aid, but was not allowed to go.

The suspect was arrested and subsequently released on bail. Police are investigating the incident under the criminal code for arson causing damage.

Minh Phuong (Harian Metro)