The Mid Valley Southkey shopping center in Johor Baru was evacuated at approximately 6:45 pm today due to an alleged bomb scare. The incident left shoppers and bystanders on edge, prompting a swift response from local authorities.
The Evacuation
The sudden evacuation of the Mid Valley Southkey shopping center sent shockwaves through the area. Shoppers, initially unaware of the impending danger, were swiftly ushered out of the mall by vigilant security personnel. The urgency of the evacuation left many bewildered, and the situation grew more unsettling by the minute.
Response by Authorities
In response to the bomb scare, the Johor Fire and Rescue Department was called into action. However, it was revealed that the matter was primarily in the hands of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), who took the lead in managing the situation. The fire department played a supportive role in this critical moment.
Video of people escaping from the mall:
Eyewitness Account
Balbeer Singh Jessy, a 62-year-old lawyer and former journalist, provided an eyewitness account of the unfolding events. According to Jessy, the evacuation order was issued at 6:40 pm after an alarm was triggered. Shoppers were initially under the impression that a gas leak had occurred, creating an atmosphere of confusion and concern.
Initial Impression
The initial confusion stemmed from the belief that the alarm signified a gas leak, a relatively common occurrence in public spaces. Shoppers, not initially alarmed, were guided by security guards to evacuate the mall. The situation took a dramatic turn when it was revealed that the alarm was, in fact, a bomb threat.
The Revelation
As the realization set in that the situation was more dire than initially thought, anxiety among shoppers increased. The transformation from a suspected gas leak to a bomb threat added a layer of complexity to the evacuation process, causing distress and unease.
Evacuation Process
The evacuation process involved moving shoppers out of the mall and into the open-air car park located in front of the main entrance. The process was carried out swiftly and efficiently, with the safety of the public as the top priority.
Number of Evacuees
The scale of the evacuation was significant, with an estimated 1,000 or more members of the public being evacuated to the open-air car park. The sheer number of people involved added to the challenge of managing the situation effectively.
Waiting for Safety
As of the time of writing, the evacuated individuals are patiently waiting for authorities to declare the area safe. This waiting period is filled with uncertainty and anxiety, as everyone hopes for a swift resolution to the situation.
Social Media Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the incident quickly made its way onto social media platforms. Shoppers and bystanders took to social media to share their experiences and concerns. The public’s collective voice added a layer of complexity to the unfolding situation.
Videos and Photos
Videos and photos shared on social media platforms, including X (formerly known as Twitter), provided a visual narrative of the events. People were seen congregating near the mall’s surroundings, unable to leave the area due to their cars being parked in the lot. Additionally, a fire engine was spotted outside an entrance to the mall, and the sound of a fire alarm was reported.
Emergency Services
The presence of a fire engine at the scene and the activation of a fire alarm underscored the seriousness of the situation. The cooperation of emergency services was essential in maintaining public safety during this tense time.
Road Closure
Reports suggested that the roads leading to the shopping center were cordoned off by the police. However, given the dynamic nature of the situation, the accuracy of such reports could not be verified at the time of writing.
Verification of Information
During emergencies like bomb scares, the spread of information can be chaotic and unverified. This incident exemplifies the challenges in ensuring accurate and timely communication in the midst of crisis situations.
“The Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Baru is aware of reports that visitors to the Mid Valley Southkey Mall and St Giles Hotel in Johor Baru have been asked to evacuate temporarily due to alleged security and safety concerns.
“Singaporeans in the vicinity are advised to exercise caution, monitor the local news, and heed the instructions of the local authorities.
“Singaporeans are also strongly encouraged to e-register with MFA at https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg if they have not done so.
“Singaporeans who require urgent consular assistance can contact the Consulate-General at +60 19 791 1166 or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office at +65 6379 8800 / 8855,”