15-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) A “security threat” prompted the evacuation of hundreds of shoppers from The Mall, Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru on Saturday evening. The mall’s management and a nearby hotel received an anonymous phone call at approximately 6:30 pm, which led to the decision to evacuate, as confirmed in a Facebook post.
In response to the anonymous threat, the authorities directed the mall to take a proactive measure by evacuating the affected areas. The fire department and the police conducted a comprehensive investigation and area search, ultimately finding “no evidence of threats.” This was stated in an update on the mall’s Facebook page at 12:30 am on Sunday.
The mall announced, “Following a comprehensive assessment, the Johor district police chief has declared the premises safe for the return of tenants, employees, guests, and shoppers at 12:15 am on October 15.”
The nature of the “security threat” remains unclear, although The Malay Mail has mentioned a suspected bomb scare in its report.
Videos shared on social media depicted crowds of people urgently leaving the building, guided by the fire department. Around 6:45 pm, individuals were seen gathered outside, with the presence of police vehicles and fire engines at the scene. For at least half an hour, a fire or emergency alarm could be heard in the vicinity.
While waiting for the all-clear signal to return, individuals lined both sides of Persiaran Southkey 1, with many having parked their vehicles inside the building. Among the evacuees were families, some with young children.
Several users reported on the situation, with one mentioning that the fire and rescue department dispatched its K-9 unit to the scene. Another individual mentioned that they were inside a store when they heard police instructing everyone to evacuate due to a “bomb.”
The Mall, which is also connected to a hotel, is a popular shopping destination for both locals and tourists.
The Singapore Consulate-General in Johor Bahru issued a statement acknowledging the evacuation, saying that visitors to the mall and St Giles Hotel in Johor Bahru had been asked to “evacuate temporarily due to alleged security and safety concerns.” The Consulate-General advised Singaporeans in the vicinity to exercise caution, stay updated with local news, and follow the instructions of local authorities, as per their Facebook post.
