George Town bomb scare ends with no danger, area near new LRT site reopened

Authorities declare area safe after bomb disposal unit deactivates item made of paper, wires, and cement at a site where the prime minister is scheduled to visit on Saturday

A bomb disposal unit, which included a remote-controlled robot (pic), was dispatched immediately to the scene of a bomb threat near Karpal Singh Drive in Bandar Sri Pinang in Penang today. – Timur Laut district police pic, January 9, 2025

GEORGE TOWN – A suspicious object resembling a bomb discovered near Karpal Singh Drive in Bandar Sri Pinang was confirmed to be non-explosive, according to the police.

Timur Laut district police chief Abdul Rozak Muhammad said authorities were alerted to the object, found by the roadside at Jalan Lebuh Sg Pinang 7, at approximately 9.50am on Thursday (January 9).  

“After inspection, it was determined that the item was constructed from paper, wires, and cement, with no explosive materials present,” he noted in a statement. 

A bomb disposal squad, including a remote-controlled robot, was dispatched to the location, and the object was safely deactivated by 11.50am. The site was declared safe and reopened to the public by around 12.15pm. No injuries or damage to property were reported. 

Officers inspecting the suspicious item. – Timur Laut district police pic, January 9, 2025

Abdul Rozak cautioned the public against spreading rumours or false information about the incident, emphasising the potential for unnecessary alarm and unrest. 

The incident occurred near the site where Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to launch the Mutiara Line LRT project on Saturday (January 11). – December 9, 2024