POLICE RECORD 18 WITNESS STATEMENTS OVER NILAI EXPLOSION

SEREMBAN, Dec 29 (Bernama) -- Police have recorded statements from 18 witnesses in connection with an explosion believed to have involved a homemade or improvised explosive device (IED) at Desa Palma, Nilai, on Dec 22.

Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said the witnesses, comprising members of the public and medical personnel, were called to assist in investigations involving a 62-year-old suspect believed to be linked to the incident.

“We do not rule out the possibility that more witnesses will be called to assist the ongoing investigation.

“The motive has yet to be determined. The suspect, who was injured in the incident, is still receiving treatment at Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital here. He remains weak but is reported to be in stable condition, and questioning will continue today,” he told Bernama today.

Alzafny advised the public not to speculate on the case, as it could hinder investigations and urged those with information to come forward.

The case is being investigated under Sections 307 and 435 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 4 of the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.

Earlier, Alzafny said the suspect was arrested in Batang Benar, Nilai at 4.15 pm two days ago with burn injuries to his face, body, hands and legs, and has been remanded for seven days until Jan 3.

He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect acted alone and had no links to any terrorist groups or gangsterism.

The suspect is believed to possess technical knowledge and specific skills in manufacturing explosive materials, based on the devices and equipment seized from his rented house.

-- BERNAMA