JOHOR BAHRU, Aug. 13 -- The death of a 72-year-old woman in a fire at Kampung Bukit Siput in Segamat on July 25 is believed to be linked to debts owed by her family to a Singapore-based debt scam syndicate.

Johor police chief Ab Rahaman Arsad said investigations revealed that the victim's house was targeted by a man hired for RM1,000 by the syndicate to burn down the homes of borrowers who failed to settle their debts.

The newly appointed state police chief said initial investigations by police and the Fire and Rescue Department found criminal elements at the scene.

"This prompted a special investigative team at the state police contingent level.

"Based on information and intelligence gathered over a week, investigators managed to arr...