KOTA KINABALU: A World War II-era bomb was safely detonated by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) in the waters off Pulau Sibuan, Semporna, on Saturday evening (Jan 11).
The unexploded ordnance (UXO), discovered by local fishermen on Jan 7, had remained dormant for decades.
The navy’s specialised Mine Disposal Unit, led by Lieutenant Commander Ghazali Soleman, was dispatched to secure and assess the site.
Assisted by 11 Mine Disposal Divers from the Mine Warfare and Diving Headquarters in Lumut and Naval Region 2 Headquarters in Sandakan, the team took on the task of safely destroying the UXO.
Initial investigations revealed the bomb measured three feet in length, one foot in diameter, and weighed around 500lbs (250kg). It was believed to be an aerial bomb likely dropped during air raids in the final years of WWII.
"The operation began on Jan 10, with safety as our top priority. Using the Blow in Place (BIP) method, we ensured the UXO was safely destroyed without causing harm to the environment or nearby properties," Ghazali said.
The bomb was safely detonated at 3.10pm, four days after its discovery, under strict safety protocols.
Patrol boats from multiple agencies, including the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Marine Police, and Sabah Parks, secured the surrounding area.
Post-detonation analysis confirmed the operation was a success, with no damage reported to marine life or nearby habitats.
Local villagers expressed relief following the successful disposal of the bomb.
This is not the first time wartime ordnance has been discovered in the waters around Sabah, a region that saw significant military activity during WWII.
The navy has urged locals to report any suspicious objects found in the sea to authorities and avoid handling them.
The operation concluded at 6.40pm after the area was declared safe.
