Johor Bahru Selatan police chief Raub Selamat said the suspect, who had his car towed away the day before, did not have any money to pay the compound fine to have the car released.

“The suspect was asked to file an appeal but he felt that the process was too difficult. He then poured petrol over an MBJB tow truck before setting it on fire, causing damage worth an estimated RM10,000.

“The suspect was arrested on the same day at 1.06pm while police confiscated several items, including an aluminium container and a lighter,” he said in a statement.

Raub said the suspect had a criminal record for narcotics offences but tested negative for drugs.

The man is under remand until Tuesday. The case is being investigated under Section 435 of the Penal Code for committing mischief by fire.