SUNGAI PETANI: A 39-year-old man has been arrested for setting fire to his family home in Sungai Lalang, Bedong, yesterday.

The incident also destroyed a neighbouring house.

Kuala Muda police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said the suspect, the complainant's younger brother, was detained shortly after the fire.

"Initial investigations found that the suspect admitted to starting the blaze by lighting pieces of paper with a lighter inside the house.

"The incident followed a quarrel, and the suspect went on a rampage before setting the fire," he said in a statement today.

Hanyan said the suspect and the complainant lived in the wooden-and-brick house with another sibling.

"No drugs or prohibited substances were found during checks. The suspect's urine test returned negative and he had no history of mental illness," he added.

The case is being investigated under Section 436 of the Penal Code for mischief by fire, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine.

Earlier, firefighters rescued a man during the 7.52pm incident.

Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Zone 2 chief Senior Fire Superintendent II Mohd Naim Mat Jaafar said the fire destroyed two houses before it was brought under control.