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

KOTA KINABALU, October 17 — A 37-year-old man suffered severe injuries to his hands and abdomen after a homemade fish bomb he was reportedly attempting to craft detonated in a kitchen in Kampung Keliangau, Manggatal, Sabah, on Tuesday afternoon. According to Kota Kinabalu district police chief ACP Shahrudin Mat Husain, the victim was airlifted from the scene to Menggatal Health Clinic and subsequently transferred to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital (HQEI) where he remains in critical condition and is unresponsive.

Shahrudin revealed that initial inquiries suggested the suspect was crafting an unauthorized explosive device intended for fishing. Upon arrival at the location, law enforcement officials, including personnel from the Bomb Disposal Unit and the Kota Kinabalu district police headquarters, performed a thorough examination of the premises.

They discovered a variety of substances potentially utilized in the fabrication of homemade fish bombs and subsequently confiscated them for further forensic analysis. The police are currently conducting an in-depth investigation to ascertain the precise cause of the explosion, the origin of the materials used, and whether any additional persons were implicated.

Authorities have cautioned the public against creating, possessing, or handling explosives without proper authorization, emphasizing that such actions are not only unlawful but also pose a significant risk to oneself and others. The incident is being handled under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.