George town: The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has been instructed to review and tighten standard operating procedures (SOP) following injuries to two enforcement officers after confiscated light gas-filled balloons exploded before causing a fire during the Thaipusam celebrations on Sunday.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Penang State Local Government, Town, and Country Planning Committee chairman H'ng Mooi Lye emphasized the need for a thorough review of the SOPs, particularly focusing on safety measures to protect enforcement officers. H'ng Mooi Lye mentioned in a Facebook post that he immediately directed the MBPP authorities to enhance the enforcement protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

H'ng further shared details about his visit to the Penang Hospital to check on one of the injured officers, who was hurt during an enforcement operation targeting illegal hawkers. The officer is reported to be in stable condition, though ongoing treatment and monitoring are required.

The MBPP disclosed that the incident, occurring at 7.55 pm in front of the MBPP Licensing Department office in Lebuh Union, resulted in injuries to two officers when the gas-filled balloons exploded, leading to a fire. One officer, currently hospitalized, sustained burns on both hands and one side of the face. The second officer incurred minor injuries and is recuperating at home.