KUALA LUMPUR – The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) has confirmed that none of its fighter jets were in the air when loud bangs were heard and tremors were felt in Ipoh yesterday.
In a statement today, the authorities also dismissed claims of foreign aircraft breaching Malaysian airspace.
“The RMAF wishes to state that there were no RMAF fighter jet flights in the area at the time of the incident, including any foreign aircraft which were allegedly intruding into the country’s airspace.
The RMAF advises the public not to speculate and to leave the investigation to the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) to determine the true cause of the incident,” the statement said.
Earlier, there were claims that the tremors in the district were likely caused by a “sonic boom” from fighter jets.
Previously, Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said that checks with the Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force Ulu Kinta revealed that there were no explosion-related exercises conducted.
He added that checks with the Land and Mines Office also found no blasting operations conducted at any quarries before 12 noon yesterday.
“Checks with the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) revealed that the Ipoh district was not affected by any seismic activity, despite an earthquake that occurred in Halmahera, Indonesia, at 11.24am (yesterday),” he said.
“The police are investigating this incident, and the public is advised to remain calm and refrain from speculating, which could cause public anxiety,” he said. – October 22, 2024