After 23 arson cases involving luxury cars in March, arsonists have switched to motorcycles after 32 machines were torched in residential areas in Kuala Lumpur in the last 24 hours.

The latest incident was reported at 1.23am yesterday when 21 motorcycles belonging to residents of Flat Seri Selangor, Jalan San Peng were destroyed after arsonists threw petrol bombs and fled.

Four hours after the incident, a fire destroyed a motorcycle workshop in Kampung Padang Balang, Gombak. Two motorcycles were also destroyed.

At 5.58am on Sunday, two motorcycles and a car belonging to residents of Flat Sri Tioman, Taman Melati were also destroyed.

Six motorcycles were burnt, believed by the same suspect, at Blok 61, Bandar Baru Sentul three hours later.

Kuala Lumpur CID chief Ku Chin Wah said initial investigation by the forensic units of the Fire and Rescue Department and KL police found arson elements in all the cases.

He said based on statements given by several witnesses, police believe that all the offences were committed by four men wearing crash helmets.

“The information was based on several witnesses who saw the suspects before incidents. We are tracking them down using several leads,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur police urged those with information to contact Rakan Cop at  03-2115 9999 to assist in investigation.

“Investigation of the case is conducted under Section 435 of Penal Code for causing mischief by fire,” he added.

In March, at least 23 cases of arson involving several luxury cars including BMW 523i, Skoda Octavia, Kia Sorento and Honda Accord were reported.

A suspect, 42, died on March 29 in Kuala Lumpur Hospital after six days of treatment for injuries received while trying to escape from police in Kampung Pauh, Sentul.

- Bernama