GEORGE TOWN: Two Penang Island City Council (MBPP) enforcement officers were injured after light gas-filled ­balloons seized during the Thaipusam celebrations exploded and caught fire. Rapid damage: (From left) The pick-up truck on fire during the incident, and the truck’s condition in the blast’s aftermath (below). The fire also damaged the rear of the pick-up truck and several pieces of seized equipment. In a statement, MBPP said the team had earlier found unlicensed balloon sales filled with light gas along Jalan Macalister, Jalan Utama and Jalan Gottlieb during the Thaipusam celebrations. MBPP then took the seized items to its Licensing Department in Lebuh Union for disposal by releasing the gas.

Source: The Star February 03, 2026 02:59 UTC