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A routine house clearance in Taman Bagan turned into an unexpected security scare after a local woman walked into the Butterworth police station carrying two mortar shells she had discovered inside her late father's storeroom
The incident unfolded on Sunday, 12 July, when the woman brought the metallic objects directly to the station while lodging a report, hoping to determine whether they posed a live explosive threat, according to the New Straits Times.
The arrival of suspected munitions prompted officers to isolate the items and alert specialist teams immediately. An inspection by the Penang Contingent Headquarters Bomb Disposal Unit later revealed that both objects were inert military training mortar bombs.
Police later confirmed that the items contained no explosive material and posed no physical danger to station personnel or members of the public.
Seberang Perai Utara district police chief ACP Anuar Abdul Rahman said the woman discovered the training shells while sorting through her late father's belongings
The house had remained unoccupied since the father passed away in December 2025. Before that, it was home to her parents, who were both in their 60s.
Investigators noted that the storeroom had been used to keep personal belongings for about 20 years, and neither family members nor an independent knew the mortar shells were stored there.
Following a thorough inspection, the Bomb Disposal Unit took custody of the training bombs for record-keeping purposes. Anuar confirmed that police classified the case as requiring no further action (NFA), as there was no criminal element or security threat involved.
He also advised the public against spreading unverified speculation on social media that could cause unnecessary panic or hamper police procedures.
While the incident ended safely, authorities reminded the public that suspected explosives should never be moved, handled, or transported
Members of the public with information regarding similar discoveries can contact investigating officer ASP Hasryman Osman at 04-576 2222 (extension 2275) or the nearest police station.
