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THE record-breaking Thaipusam celebrations in Penang were briefly overshadowed on Sunday night when two enforcement officers from the Penang Island City Council were injured after helium balloons seized during an enforcement operation exploded inside their vehicle.
The incident occurred at about 10.45pm along Jalan Union in George Town -- the main route leading to the Waterfall Hillside Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple -- as officers were loading confiscated balloons into the rear compartment of an enforcement truck.
The helium balloons, seized near the temple from a nearby trader, exploded while being handled, sending a blast force through the vehicle.
One officer was admitted to Penang Hospital for observation, while another received outpatient treatment for injuries sustained in the explosion.
Penang Hindu Endowment Board chairman R.S.N. Rayer confirmed the incident, saying the helium balloons had been confiscated from a trader operating in the vicinity.
In a twits, he said preliminary investigations revealed that the balloons were filled with hydrogen gas.
“Although hydrogen is cheaper and commonly used for balloons, it is highly flammable and poses serious safety risks,” he said.
Rayer added that the stall operator, believed to be a foreign national without a valid business permit, would also be investigated.
The explosion occurred as many of paneer panthal (stalls) were closing for the night following the conclusion of the annual festival.
Penang Island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, who is also the city council president, confirmed that two enforcement staff were injured.
“One was hospitalised while the other suffered minor injuries. Investigations are ongoing,” he said.
The incident came amid massive crowds at the festival site, with an estimated one million visitors, including devotees, participants and tourists, having converged on the area over the past three days.
Earlier in the evening, Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail had expressed satisfaction with the overall security arrangements after visiting the site.
Speaking to reporters following a visit to a thanneer panthal along Jalan Kebun Bunga as part of a community policing programme, he attributed the smooth proceedings to meticulous planning and strong public cooperation.
To ensure safety and traffic control throughout the festivities, more than 1,000 police personnel were deployed around the clock until tonight.
The Golden and Silver chariots are scheduled to return to their respective temples early tomorrow.
A total of 182 thanneer panthal operated during the celebrations, all of which had obtained permits from the local council.
Meanwhile, Penang Consumers Protection Association president Datuk K. Koris Atan praised the organisers of the annual pilgrimage but highlighted the need for additional safety railings for devotees climbing the more than 500 steps leading to the hilltop temple.
He said many elderly worshippers wished to pay homage during Thaipusam but were deterred by the long and physically demanding ascent. - February 2, 2026
