Eight suspects alleged to be involved in the arson attack on the Metro Tabernacle AG church in Desa Melawati, Kuala Lumpur (below), have been remanded for six more days up to Feb 2.

NONEThis has sparked speculation that they could be charged next week.

Their initial seven-day remand was to have ended today, but the investigating officer applied for an extension as the police have yet to complete their probe.

The suspects aged between 21 and 26 were taken to the Kuala Lumpur Magistrate’s Court this morning for the remand proceedings.

A senior source in the prosecution service confirmed that police have not completed the investigation.

The first suspect, a 25-year-old despatcher, was detained at a hospital in Kuala Lumpur when he sought treatment for burn marks on his chest and arm on Jan 19.

This paved the way for the other arrests by Jan 20. The suspects include two brothers and their uncle, as well as friends of their family.

Severe penalty

Police are investigating them under Section 436 of the Penal Code. This refers to causing 'mischief by fire or explosive substances with intent to cause damage.

Those found guilty are face up to 20 years in jail and a fine.

The three-storey Metro Tabernacle AG church was the first place of worship to be fire-bombed on Jan 8, leading to the ground floor being razed.
  
Two churches in Petaling Jaya - the Assumption Church in Jalan Templer and the Life Chapel in Section 17 - were also attacked in the immediate aftermath of the Kuala Lumpur High Court decision to lift the ban on the use of ‘Allah’ by Catholic weekly Herald last month.