TNB explains cause of electric shock incident during Mergong temple procession

TNB explains cause of electric shock incident during Mergong temple procession



Electricity power transmission lines are pictured in Ampang, Selangor on October 16, 2024. — Picture by Firdaus Latif


Summary

• In Alor Setar, a religious procession turned tragic when an electric arc was triggered by a flagpole coming too close to a high-voltage power line, injuring three teenagers.
• Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) confirmed that the flashover occurred when a flagpole breached safe clearance distances, emphasizing the need for safety precautions around power lines.
• The victims, aged 16 and 17, were hospitalized for intensive care, and TNB committed to cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
• The incident, unprecedented in the event's history, has raised public concern, amplified by viral videos of the accident.

First Published: Wednesday, 14 Oct 2026 10:45 AM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — An electric arc triggered when a flagpole came too near an overhead high-voltage line caused the incident that injured three teenagers during a religious procession in Alor Setar last night, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) said today.

Based on its preliminary investigation, the national utility said the discharge flashed when a tall flagpole carried by participants breached safe clearance distances near the transmission line along the procession route in Mergong.


TNB expressed deep sympathy for the victims and said it is praying for their speedy recovery, confirming that it will cooperate fully with authorities to assist ongoing investigations.


“The public is advised to always put safety first and to ensure that any tall objects, including flagpoles, are kept at a safe distance from power lines,” it said in a statement.


The three victims, comprising two 17-year-olds and a 16-year-old, were rushed to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar following the incident at around 9pm and admitted to the emergency red zone for intensive care.

Mergong Vegetable Temple Association secretary Chah Boon Chuan said thousands of devotees were marching along the main road when gusty winds during light rain blew a large flag towards the live cables.

One youth was holding the bamboo pole while two others were walking beside him when the flashover struck.

Chah said this was the first time such an accident had occurred during the annual event, which prompted public concern after viral videos showed the victims collapsed on the road.