IPOH – Three months have passed since an unexplained explosion rocked Ipoh, and now residents are up in arms over the silence of the authorities over the incident, demanding updates on the investigation to bring closure to the matter.
Alyaa, a local resident, insisted that the public has a right to be informed about the findings.
“By right, we should know the updates as we want to know what caused the blast. That is what the locals are demanding,” the retail worker told Scoop at Taman Canning.
Auxiliary policeman Nur Syed, 32, and barista Amzar Afkar echoed her concerns, expressing frustration over the lack of information.
“The authorities need to inform the public of the outcome of their investigation, as it would bring some relief to concerned residents,” Amzar told Scoop.
Syed, however, expressed doubt about receiving clear answers. “If they could not get the answer, how are they supposed to (provide updates)?” he asked.
Music teacher Kong, 52, shared a similar scepticism about the authorities’ willingness or ability to provide clarity.
“Unless they have something to tell us, then we are supposed to know what is happening. But I don’t think they will give us the answer. Perhaps they already knew or maybe they could not find the reason. Nevertheless, we still want to know what is happening,” she said.
Rajoo, 46 (not his real name), a resident from Tasek, said there should be no attempt to cover up the incident. He stressed that transparency was vital, whether the explosion was a natural occurrence or caused by human activity.
“What answer would be given to the residents, that is a different matter. But there should be no attempt to cover up this incident as we are living here. If we know the truth behind the blast, we could feel a sense of security,” he added.
On October 21, a loud explosion was reported across several parts of Ipoh, accompanied by tremors that shook buildings. Reports indicated that the noise was heard in areas such as Silibin, the city centre, Bercham, and Gunung Lang around 11.05 am.
The Star reported claims on Facebook that the noise was also heard in Kuala Kangsar, 47km from Ipoh. Former Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Rais later stated that various agencies would investigate the incident from multiple perspectives to identify its cause.
‘Like a nuclear blast’
While explosions are not uncommon in Ipoh due to nearby limestone quarries, residents noted that this incident was unusual. Many speculated about its origin, with theories ranging from military exercises to quarry activities.
Amzar said the noise was so severe that it could be felt in Tambun, over 10km away, while Syed noted reports that the explosion was heard as far as the Meru-Menora Tunnel, approximately 12km from the city.
Rajoo recounted how a friend in Bercham told him of feeling a shockwave. “I live near the quarry site, so I thought it was yet another quarry blast. But this blast was different, and its impact was very strong. It was like a nuclear blast,” he said.
Kong, who was in her kitchen at the time, vividly remembered the loud noise but did not feel any tremors. She said the city had experienced a similar incident years ago but described this as particularly unusual.
Alyaa suggested the noise might have been caused by military exercises, although she suspected a quarry might have been the source.
Syed dismissed the possibility of it being a quarry blast.
“If it came from a quarry, we would know as there would be dust flying around the city. Also, even if it was caused by military training, there is no way it would have created such a noise that could be heard everywhere and far away,” he said.
For the record, Azizi confirmed that rock-blasting activities, earthquakes, military exercises, and sonic booms from supersonic jets had been ruled out as causes. – January 24, 2025