GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) enforcement officer who was admitted to hospital following injuries suffered in a hydrogen-filled balloon blast is expected to be discharged soon, says Datuk A. Rajendran (pic).
The MBPP mayor said the officer is still recuperating in Penang Hospital after suffering burn injuries on both hands and the face.
"His condition is stable and remains under medical supervision," he told reporters after attending the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between PERKESO and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) at the PERKESO office here on Monday (Feb 9).
Rajendran said the victim’s treatment was initially expected to take about a week, but recent updates suggest the patient may be discharged earlier, within one to two days.
He said MBPP will review its standard operating procedures (SOPs), particularly those involving the use of gas in business operations, to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
“We need to re-examine aspects such as space, equipment, and the type of gas used. Some gases are hazardous while others pose lower risks, so inspections need to be tightened,” he said.
On Feb 1, two MBPP enforcement officers were injured after light gas-filled balloons seized during the Thaipusam celebrations exploded and caught fire.
The duo and several others were unloading the seized items from a pick-up truck when the explosion occurred at 7.55pm on Sunday outside the council’s Licensing Department office in Lebuh Union.
It is believed the balloons were filled with hydrogen – a cheaper but highly flammable gas, unlike helium, which is non-flammable and safer for public use.
Another officer, however, suffered light injuries and was allowed to recuperate at home.
The fire also damaged the rear of the pick-up truck and several pieces of seized equipment.
Commenting on the foreign trader involved, he said MBPP only seized the business equipment and did not detain the individual.
“The trader was released, and we only confiscated the equipment. This is also part of the SOP that we are currently reviewing,” he said.
