The Malaysian Insight

THE seven suspects held to assist in police investigations into the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz school blaze that killed 23 last week have been remanded for another week.

Mohd Iqhmar Syafiq Mohd Azmi, a lawyer representing the seven youths, said they were being held in three separate lock-ups.

“Their parents are denied visits for now,” said Iqhmar.

Police have the right to deny visits by the suspects’ parents as it is a high-profile case.

Magistrate Zuhair Rosli granted police the remand extension, effective tomorrow until September 29, to allow them to complete their probe.

The suspects, aged between 12 and 18, are being investigated for murder and arson.

Kuala Lumpur Criminal Investigation Department chief Rusdi Mohd Isa confirmed the remand extension.

The Fire and Rescue Department has dismissed short circuit as being the cause of the fire.

Its director-general, Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim, in a statement yesterday, said petrol had been doused on the door, towel rack, shoe rack and wall of the school.

The seven youths detained are believed to have started the blaze following a quarrel with the schoolboys.

Wan Mohd Nor said investigators had found evidence pointing to arson.

“The fire started at the main entrance to the dormitory at the third level. This was based on statements from witnesses and victims.”

He said two gas cylinders found at the scene had helped spread the fire.

“It spread quickly because of that (gas cylinders), killing people within a short time.” – September 22, 2017.