“Grenade” power bank at KL construction site
Power banks now come in various designs to fit different lifestyles, as more of us are relying on them to keep our gadgets charged while out. A power bank shaped like a grenade, however, was a recent and unlikely cause of panic in KL after a construction worker excavated one caked in dirt from a drain.
The realistic-looking power bank had authorities, including police officers and Bomb Disposal Unit (UPB), involved. They even monitored the site and tech gadget for over 2 hours – only to find out it was a harmless replica of a handheld grenade.
Power bank causes bomb scare in KL
On 7th May 2021, Mohd Nurul Syuhada WC took to his Facebook page to share with others how the incident unfolded, from start to finish, at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) Project Site.
At around 12PM, a subcontractor told him that he found a “grenade” after digging a drain there. As the item could potentially lead to dangerous scenarios when detonated, he was shocked to find the subcontractor holding it with his bare hands.
Image adapted from: Mohd Nurul Syuhada WC
The Bomb Disposal Unit (UPB) was said to arrive around 30 minutes after the discovery of the “grenade”, and had immediately cordoned off the area as a precautionary measure.
They also taped the bomb to keep the all-important pin from being pulled.
Several policemen and the explosives forensic team also showed up at the scene – to which Mohd Nurul Syuhada noted there were at least 20 of them who spent over 2 hours securing the site.
Image adapted from: Mohd Nurul Syuhada WC
It was not until the Bomb Disposal Unit’s team leader arrived on site that the “grenade” was confirmed to just be a power bank.
According to Mohd Nurul Syuhada, the police officers had all thought they were being pranked. Nonetheless, they were understanding about the whole incident.
He also lamented making a police report for a power bank.
Dang Wangi OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Zainal Abdullah has since confirmed the story and said that it was indeed a power bank that was found, and thankfully not a grenade, as reported by The Star.
Image credit: Mohd Nurul Syuhada WC
After the incident happened, Mohd Nurul Syuhada shared that he went on Shopee to find if such a power bank existed – and was surprised to find that it did. A “Grenade Power Bank” under the brand Remax was apparently sold for RM47.
Netizens just as confused over excavated item
Netizens were just as confused as everyone else who was at the construction site.
One Facebook user commented, “Whose bright idea is it to buy [such an item] and toss it at such a random place?”
Image adapted from: Facebook
Another voiced his concern about power banks made to look like bombs, saying, “There should be a ban on power banks shaped like dangerous weapons.”
Image adapted from: Facebook
Many also commended the authorities for responding seriously to the incident, with a netizen commenting, “This is the funniest story, but also props to the authorities who efficiently responded to the call.”
Image adapted from: Facebook
Grenade found in KL turns out to be harmless power bank
It’s not hard to find uniquely shaped power banks. But this grenade-shaped one found at a KL construction site – which looked just like the real deal – might be one to avoid to not cause unnecessary panic. All jokes aside, potentially finding a bomb, especially in the heart of the city, is a great cause of concern, and we applaud the authorities for their swift response, and count our blessings that no one was hurt and it turned out to be a harmless power bank.
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Cover image adapted from: Mohd Nurul Syuhada WC