Mid Valley Southkey evacuated due to security threat

Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Baru witnessed a tense situation on Saturday evening (Oct 14) as thousands of visitors, employees, and shoppers were urgently instructed to evacuate the premises, causing widespread anxiety and confusion among those present.

The evacuation was initiated in response to a security threat that prompted a swift and organized evacuation.

Johor Bahru Selatan district police chief Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat received a call from the building’s management at 6.10 pm, alerting him to the security threat. The threat originated from an anonymous phone call received by the shopping centre’s management at around 6 pm, where the caller claimed to have placed bombs in various areas of the mall.

Evacuation at Mid Valley Southkey

Following the anonymous call threatening explosives within the shopping centre and hotel, a rapid response was initiated. The police, along with bomb detection units, conducted checks at 6.30 pm. This extensive operation ensured the safety of the premises.

The evacuation order extended to all visitors and employees of the shopping centre and hotel residences, with an estimated 9,000 people and 4,000 vehicles affected. Additionally, 892 individuals were occupying 463 rooms in the hotel.

By 9 pm, the police confirmed that the parking area was secure, and no explosives were found as per the caller’s claim. Vehicle owners were then allowed to retrieve their cars and exit the parking lot.

As of 11 pm, the Bomb Disposal Unit reported that 90% of the detection work had been completed. Authorities were awaiting the full report from the Bomb Disposal Unit, along with input from the K9 Unit, to make a decision regarding the operation of the building.

The police continued their investigations to trace the location of the call and identify the caller behind the security threat. The operation involved a substantial number of officers and units, including the Bomb Disposal Unit, K9 units, and officers from the Johor police headquarters.

Extensive premises secured

Mid Valley Southkey boasts a large and multi-level complex. The shopping centre comprises six floors, providing a diverse range of retail and recreational experiences for visitors. The hotel residences are situated within the same building and feature an impressive 28 floors, offering accommodation for guests.

This incident marked the first report of a security threat of this nature at the premises. The scale of the operation, involving numerous law enforcement officers, bomb detection units, and a variety of units and resources, underscores the gravity of the situation and the commitment of authorities to ensure the safety of those present.

Authorities handled the evacuation and security measures with utmost care, considering the potential risks posed by the bomb threat. While the situation caused understandable alarm and confusion, the rapid response and comprehensive checks contributed to ensuring the safety of all visitors, employees, and shoppers.

Despite the disruption caused by the evacuation, authorities prioritized the safety of everyone present at Mid Valley Southkey. The completion of the detection work by the Bomb Disposal Unit is a significant step towards assessing the security of the building.

As authorities await the full report and consult with the relevant units, the ongoing investigations will provide further insights into the nature of the threat and steps required to ensure the safety and security of Mid Valley Southkey.