Waking the neighbourhood: The sound was heard at various parts of Ipoh at about 11am yesterday. — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
IPOH: The mysterious loud bang that shook the city has left residents curious about its cause.
The noise, akin to an explosion, was heard in various parts of the city at 11.05am yesterday.
Adding to the strangeness, a similar incident occurred in 2018, also in October, on the fourth of the month at about 11.20am.
Bank employee Michael Chang, 43, said the sound was louder than thunder.
“It woke me from my sleep, and I felt the ceiling of my house shaking.
“I looked outside, but the sky was clear, and nothing else happened,” he said.
“I remember a similar incident a few years ago, and no one had any real explanation back then either.”
Housewife Melinda Lim, 74, said she was shocked by the sudden noise.
“The windows at my house shook, and I was so afraid they would shatter.
“I thought something exploded nearby, and I ran out of the house but did not see any billowing smoke in the sky,” she said.
Social media was flooded with theories, ranging from quarry rock blasting to military exercises and a jet’s sonic boom.
One Facebook user by the name of Josie King commented that the incident could be a skyquake phenomenon, described as a loud booming sound that has no apparent cause and seems to come from the sky.
Perak police chief Comm Datuk Azizi Mat Aris said investigations into the incident are ongoing.
In a statement, Comm Azizi said the police had checked with several agencies but found nothing relevant.
“We’ve checked with the General Operations Force in Ulu Kinta, and no explosive-related exercises were being held.
“The Perak Land and Mines Office also informed us that there were no rock blasting activities at quarries before noon,” he said.
“The Meteorological Department found no seismic activities, although an earthquake took place in Halmahera, Indonesia, at about 11.24am,” he added.
Comm Azizi said anyone with information about the incident should contact the state police contingent at 05-234 1119 or 05-245 1073.
“We also urge the people to remain calm and not speculate on the matter as it could cause anxiety among the public,” he added.
