Loud bang heard across Ipoh, M'sia on Oct. 21, cause still unknown

Tremors, accompanied with a loud exploding sound, occurred across Ipoh, Malaysia on Oct. 21.

According to Malaysia English-language newspaper Malay Mail, Malaysia police are still investigating the cause of the incident, which shook the northwestern city at 11:06am.

Authorities have also ruled out speculations of explosive operations and natural phenomena, prompting a request for an official explanation by Malaysia political party Parti Islam Se-Malaysia (PAS) for Perak.

Loud bang with tremors

Several parts of Ipoh were shaken by the loud bang, reported New Straits Times.

Residents reported experiencing tremors in areas such as Medan Istana, Tasek, Stadium Perak, Meru, Falim, Klebang, Manjoi and Tanjung Rambutan.

Similar incidents also reportedly occurred at the North-South Expressway (PLUS) near the Menora Tunnel.

On TikTok, a closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage showed windows of a person's home shaking as a result of the loud sound.

An explosive sound could also be heard in other CCTV footage shared by users.

@thesiakapkeli Kuat juga letupan kat ipoh tadi sampai bergegar cermin rumah. Harap tiada apa-apa yang serius berlaku. #fyp #viral #fypシ゚viral #ipoh #ipohperak ♬ original sound - Siakap Keli

@zs_tuner #CapCut #TikTok #Bunyiletupan #Tgrambutan #Ipoh ♬ original sound - zs_tuner

@ashainfamilytanboon Burong pn sebok berbincang😂 #bunyiletupan #ipoh #perak #21oktober2024 ♬ original sound - ASYRAF CHOR (ASHAIN CAMPERS)

Cause still unknown

Perak police chief Azizi Mat Aris had previously issued a statement on Oct. 21, ruling out any training or explosive operations at the quarry related to the incident.

He had also ruled out any seismic activity in Ipoh, although there had been an earthquake in Halmahera, Indonesia at around 11:24am.

According to Malay Mail, Azizi said there are currently no updates pertaining to the investigation.

Police have also been working closely with local agencies and companies, such as military bases, the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), the Malaysian Meteorological Department and quarry companies to determine the cause.

A sonic boom as a result of flying fighter jets had also been ruled out by the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM).

MYSA director-general Azlikamil Napiah also dismissed speculation that the incident was due to the Orionids meteor shower, adding that comet debris may be common, but do not typically cause ground-level impacts or noise.

Occurred previously, Perak PAS demands government explanation

On Oct. 23, Perak PAS has requested an official explanation from the Malaysia government on the incident.

According to Malaysia English-language newspaper The Star, commissioner Razman Zakaria said in a statement that the party and the Ipoh community wanted to know what caused the incident.

He highlighted that similar incidents in the city had occurred in 2012 and 2018, but had been left unexplained by the authorities.

Razman said: "It looks like it is happening every six years, and if this is the case, the mystery is something big and needs an official statement from the government."

He noted that several government agencies have denied any involvement in the incidents, adding that such statements "does not carry any meaning" until there the government issues an official statement.

"This official statement is important for reference and accountability for any actions that will take place," he added.

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