SEREMBAN: The suspect involved in the explosion in Desa Palma, Nilai near here, on Dec 22 is believed to have technical knowledge and special skills in making explosives.
Negri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said this was based on the discovery of devices and equipment seized from the rented house of a man known as Yeoh Hock Sun, 62, including explosive devices, flammable cleaning agents and carbon as well as sulphur elements.
"Investigations found that the suspect has knowledge in the field of chemistry and had worked in a pharmaceutical factory for three years, as well as knowledge in the field of information technology (IT).
"The assessment of the explosives found that they were in perfect condition, in terms of the preparation of the materials and devices used, including timers and sensors, and that the activity was believed to have been carried out in the past six months," he said at a press conference on the case here on Friday (Dec 26).
He said the man was also classified as a dangerous individual and "highly wanted" because he is believed to be directly involved in the preparation of the explosives, as well as having a previous criminal case under Section 506 of the Penal Code.
He said that an inspection of the man's house, which was suspected of being used as a laboratory, also found 31 more improvised explosive devices (IEDs), all of which were destroyed by the police.
In the meantime, Alzafny said that the results of the destruction carried out by the Bomb Disposal Unit found that the explosives had an explosion radius of up to 20 metres, while the fragments can reach as far as 30 metres.
"The fragments used were nails and a folding knife that were finely shredded, so looking at the preparation we interpret that he had the knowledge to prepare a perfect explosive,” he said.
According to Alzafny, the man is categorised as very dangerous because when outside or in a group of people he would wear a face mask or hat in addition to wearing a wig.
"Interrogation of the witness also found that he avoided people and was an aggressive person, had separated from his wife, children and family more than 30 years ago and had a history of hitting his girlfriend,” he said, adding that the suspect is believed to be still in this state.
Meanwhile, Alzafny said that so far statements from a total of 14 witnesses had been recorded and closed circuit television (CCTV) recordings in the surrounding area had been obtained for analysis.
Therefore, he asked the public to help track down the man in addition to asking any medical centre, clinic or pharmacy who suspected the suspect was receiving treatment or buying medicine to pass on the information to the police.
"This is because the police believe that in the incident, this man suffered serious injuries... he is currently hiding and may be hidden,” he said, adding that the man was traveling alone and had no connection to terrorist groups or gangsterism.
Last Monday, Alzafny was reported to have said that his party found a suspected IED object following an explosion in Desa Palma after receiving a report from the public about the incident, informing them that there was an explosive object and nails scattered in the area at 7.08am. - Bernama
