KUALA LUMPUR — A 63-year-old man has been arrested in connection with an explosion that occurred in the Desa Palma area of Nilai on December 22, where an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated.
Negeri Sembilan police chief, Datuk Alzafny Ahmad, confirmed that the suspect, identified as Yeoh Hock Sun, also known as Ayang, was apprehended in Mantin on the evening of December 26. He was immediately taken to the hospital due to injuries sustained during the explosion.
“Yes, the man has been arrested and sent to the hospital due to injuries, a statement will be issued soon regarding the arrest,” Alzafny said in a statement to Bernama.
The police chief further elaborated on the suspect’s technical proficiency in explosives.
Authorities believe that Yeoh, who had worked in both the pharmaceutical and information technology fields, possessed specialised skills in manufacturing explosives. The discovery of flammable cleaning agents, carbon, and sulphur — key ingredients for explosives — in his rented residence corroborates this.
“Investigations suggest the suspect has a background in chemistry and IT, which may have contributed to his technical expertise in explosives,” Alzafny remarked at a press conference yesterday.
“The devices found were highly sophisticated, indicating months of preparation.”
The police chief noted that Yeoh’s expertise was evident in the highly engineered nature of the devices, which included timers and sensors. He also pointed out that the explosives had a blast radius of up to 20 metres, with debris capable of travelling 30 metres.
“The IEDs contained nails and shredded folding knives, suggesting that they were designed for maximum impact,” Alzafny explained.
A search of Yeoh’s home, believed to have been used as a makeshift laboratory, revealed 31 additional IEDs, all of which were safely destroyed by the authorities.
Yeoh is classified as a dangerous individual, with a history of criminal intimidation under Section 506 of the Penal Code. He had been estranged from his family for over 30 years and was known to have a history of violent incidents. Alzafny also revealed that Yeoh often wore a face mask, hat, and wig in public to conceal his identity.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that could assist in locating Yeoh, especially from medical centres, clinics, or pharmacies where he may have sought treatment or purchased medication. “We believe the suspect sustained significant injuries in the explosion and may be hiding,” Alzafny added.
As of now, 14 witnesses have been interviewed, and authorities have retrieved CCTV footage from the explosion site for further analysis.
Alzafny confirmed that Yeoh has no known connections to terrorist groups or organised crime, and was alone at the time of the incident. – December 27, 2025