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Navy detonates WW2 bomb in Sabah waters

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) destroyed an unexploded World War 2 bomb in the waters off Pulau Sibuan, Sabah, yesterday (Jan 11).

The navy's Second Naval Region Command (Mawilla 2) in Sandakan said initial investigations revealed that the unexploded ordnance (UXO) was an aerial bomb believed to have been dropped during WW2.

RMN said the bomb, measuring 91.4cm in length and 30cm in width, was estimated to weigh 250kg.

"The navy deployed a mine disposal team from the Diving and Mine Warfare Headquarters (MSPPA) in Lumut, Perak, to collaborate with Mawilla 2 on the UXO disposal operation. The operation commenced on Friday (Jan10).

"The detonation, conducted by the mine clearance diving team, took place at 3.10pm yesterday and adhered to safety protocols to ensure no harm to nearby property or the marine environment."

It said the bomb was destroyed using the Blow in Place method, which involves detonation at the discovery site.

The navy also said post-blast investigations showed that the UXO was a type of aerial bomb commonly dropped from aircraft.

It added that during the disposal operation, the navy had worked closely with various agencies, including the Eastern Sabah Security Command, Joint Forces Headquarters Two (ATB 2) and Semporna police.

"Additional security was provided by patrol vessels from the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, marine police ATB 2 and Sabah Parks."

On Jan 7, it was reported that the Pulau Sibuan substation in Tun Sakaran Marine Park was temporarily closed following the discovery of what is believed to be a WW2 era bomb.

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