NIBONG TEBAL, April 24- An election campaign talk attended by about 3,000 people today was marred by an explosion at the Nibong Tebal Barisan Nasional (BN) operations centre in Jawi, seriously injuring a security guard, and causing panic among the people.
The explosion was believed to have triggered off at the rear area of a stage that was set up for campaign talks, situated next to the operations centre. During the explosion at 10.15pm, about 3,000 people were gathered to listen to a political talk by Penang Gerakan chief Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan. Police have not ruled out foul play.
A witness who wanted to be known as Micheal, 39, said he had arrived at the location about 10 minutes before the explosion and was listening to the talk when the blast occurred near a pile of rubbish. He added that he and his wife ran as fast as they could to leave the scene of the blast.
“The blast sounded just like a bomb and everyone was caught by surprise. The situation turned chaotic and I saw an injured person being carried away,” he said.
Another witness who only wanted to be known as Ahmad, 58, said he was standing close to the stage when the incident happened.
“The impact of the explosion saw rubbish strewn all over the place. Fortunately I was not hit by the flying debris,” he told reporters at the scene. Penang deputy police chief Datuk Abdul Rahim Jaafar said the security personnel, in his 30s, was injured in his right leg and was sent to the Sungai Bakap Hospital for treatment. He was reported to be in stable condition.
“We have called in the bomb and forensic unit to investigate the explosion and determine what was used for the explosion,” said Abdul Rahim adding that a thorough probe would be carried out.
Meanwhile, state BN chief Teng Chang Yeow said the blast had tarnished democracy and expressed hope that political campaigns would not be marred by similar incidents in the future. Among those present at the centre were Penang Umno liaison chief Datuk Zainal Abidin Osman, MCA Wanita Chief Tan Cheng Liang and People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Liaison chief Datuk Dr Loga Bala Mohan.
BERNAMA
