Two enforcement officers from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) were injured when gas-filled balloons that had been seized during Thaipusam celebrations suddenly exploded.
The incident occured around 7:55pm in front of the MBPP Licensing Department office on Lebuh Union. Officials had confiscated these balloons, which were filled with light gas, from street vendors during monitoring of unlicensed sales in areas such as Jalan Macalister, Jalan Utama and Jalan Gottlieb.
One officer suffered burns on both hands and one side of the face and is currently receiving treatment at Penang Hospital, while the other officer sustained minor injuries and is resting at home.
Prior to the explosion, enforcement teams had told hawkers to stop selling the gas-filled balloons and to leave the area, but some vendors ignored the warnings. Later, officers seized the balloons and related equipment and brought them back to the Licensing Department for disposal.
While attempting to release the gas from the balloons in front of the office and away from the public, the balloons unexpectedly exploded and caught fire. The blast also damaged the rear of and MBPP vehicle and some of the confiscated items.
The council reported the incident to the Fire and Rescue Department and the Royal Malaysia Police, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. MBPP said it will review its procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Video footage of the explosion circulated on social media, showing a council vehicle engulfed in flames after the helium-type balloons exploded.
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