Tourism Ministry evacuated after bomb threat; package confirmed as fake

KUALA LUMPUR: The suspicious package that was sent to the Tourism, Arts, and Culture Ministry headquarters here earlier on Wednesday (June 5) has been confirmed to be a fake "bomb".

Putrajaya OCPD Asst Comm Asmadi Abdul Aziz, speaking to reporters at the scene, said that the item resembled a bomb but was confirmed to be fake after thorough inspections.

"It was made with a PVC pipe and a timer. We have found that it is a fake bomb but that it resembled a real one. The package was sent via a courier at 11.19am and it was brought to the 14th floor at 2.45pm.

"The bomb squad was then called, as well as bomb-sniffing dogs," he said.

ACP Asmadi said that the police have advised the building's management to set SOPs for packages meant for the minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.

He added that some staff had been allowed to re-enter the building while others were allowed to leave for the day.

According to preliminary investigations, the package came from a branch office of a courier company in Sungai Buloh.

"We have also obtained video footage of the delivery, which was done by a man. We are also curious as to why, in the footage, the delivery person shook the box and such.

"So far, there are no threatening letters," he said.

ACP Asmadi urged those with information to contact their nearest police station.

Polis sahkan terdapat ancaman bom di bangunan Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya namun keadaan selamat. Bungkusan didakwa berisi bom di Kementerian Pelancongan, Seni dan Budaya disahkan hoax. Sumber: Ketua Polis IPD Putrajaya#BernamaNews pic.twitter.com/ZsI6RtuK3J — BERNAMA (@bernamadotcom) June 5, 2024