IPOH: A massive multi-agency meeting today failed to identify the cause of the loud boom heard in Ipoh last Monday (Oct 21).
The Perak police headquarters hosted the meeting of officials from 20 agencies, including from the Department of Minerals and Geoscience Malaysia (JMG), the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the Armed Forces, the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, and the Kinta District Office.
Perak police chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said experts had presented their hypotheses of the possible origins of the loud boom and resulting tremors, and ruled out three main theories: aviation factors, economic activities and movements within the earth.
"Movements and explosions from within the earth could not be detected by radar. MetMalaysia indicated that this event does not resemble an earthquake, tectonic movement, or an explosion in neighbouring countries.
"We also considered the possibility of sonic elements from airborne activities, but this was ruled out as our airspace was under control at the time, with no flights, and radar detected no airborne activity.
"Thirdly, explosions from quarry or economic activities around Ipoh were also dismissed since, based on the controlled methods we authorise, such explosions would not cause tremors strong enough to be felt over a wide area," he said.
He was speaking at a press conference at the state police headquarter after chairing the meeting.
Azizi said the investigation into the cause of the tremors and boom would continue.
He said so far, no property damage or loss of life resulting from the incident had been reported.
"The public need not worry. This kind of incident has occurred every six years since 2012, then in 2018, and now again on Oct 21, 2024.
"We will examine other aspects, including the limestone caves, in more detail. However, MetMalaysia has confirmed that the city of Ipoh has not experienced any surface tremors.
"Regarding the safety of tourism and religious activities in caves around Ipoh, we are advising those involved to conduct thorough inspections for any potential impacts from the tremors.
"JMG and other allied agencies will continue monitoring and conducting further studies," he added.
Azizi also urged the public not to speculate about the incident