Sabah police: Man critically injured as homemade fish bomb explodes in Manggatal kitchen

KOTA KINABALU, Oct 17 — A 37-year-old man suffered serious injuries to his hands and abdomen after a homemade explosive device, believed to be a fish bomb, detonated in the kitchen of a house in Kampung Keliangau, Manggatal, on yesterday afternoon. Kota Kinabalu district police chief ACP Shahrudin Mat Husain reported that the victim was initially taken to the Menggatal Health Clinic before being transferred to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI), where he was described to be in critical condition and unconscious.

The initial investigation indicated that the man was attempting to craft a homemade explosive for fishing purposes. Upon the incident, the police, along with the Bomb Disposal Unit from the Sabah police contingent headquarters and officers from the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters, conducted a thorough inspection at the scene.

During the investigation, several materials suspected of being utilized to create homemade fish bombs were seized for further examination. The police are currently conducting further inquiries to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion, the origin of the materials, and if there were any other individuals involved in the act. The public has been cautioned against making, possessing, or handling explosives without valid authorization, as such actions are not only illegal but also pose a significant risk to the individual and those around them. The case is being handled under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.