What we know so far about the explosion at a Nilai apartment

SHAH ALAM - Residents of an apartment complex in Nilai were jolted awake on Dec 22 after an early-morning explosion scattered nails across a car park and damaged nearby vehicles, prompting a large-scale police operation and widespread concern online.

Authorities have since tightened security in the area, launched investigations into suspected explosive devices and urged the public to remain calm as inquiries continue.

What happened

In the early hours of Dec 22, an explosion occurred at an apartment complex in Nilai, leaving residents shocked and the surrounding area littered with nails believed to be part of the blast.

Several vehicles parked near one of the apartment blocks sustained damage from shrapnel.

Following the incident, police increased patrols in and around the neighbourhood as a precautionary measure to ensure no additional devices were present and to protect public safety.

Investigations are being carried out with assistance from the fire department to determine the nature of the explosion and identify those responsible.

What the police said

Nilai district deputy police chief Mohamad Asiff Jamaldin said authorities received an emergency call at about 6.30am and immediately deployed officers to the scene.

He also stated that the team discovered numerous nails scattered on the road and several vehicles damaged by shrapnel near one of the blocks upon arrival.

In a separate statement, Negeri Sembilan police chief Datuk Alzafny Ahmad said officers later located a vehicle believed to be linked to the explosion.

Residents of an apartment complex in Nilai were jolted awake on Dec 22, 2025 after an early-morning explosion. - Photo: - Facebook / Sharuddin Salleh

“Subsequently, a search was conducted at houses near the scene and three objects suspected to be improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were found in one of the houses.

“About 250m from the site, police located the vehicle believed to have caused the explosion and examination of the vehicle revealed several items, including materials suspected to have triggered the blast,” Alzafny said.

Authorities stated that investigations are ongoing, including efforts to identify suspects and confirm the type of explosive involved.

What netizens said

The incident sparked intense discussion on social media, with TikTok users expressing fear, sympathy and frustration over public safety.

“Our civil servants are the best in dealing with self-made bombs,” one Sharuddin Salleh said on Facebook.

Meanwhile, TikTok user @serra.bookay, stated that Negeri Sembilan seems to be getting worse as the year comes to an end and there were all sorts of cases.

“Our country is no longer safe now,” TikTok user @nordin847 commented.

TikTok user @queen_mrraz expressed concern for those affected: “I also sympathise with the other car owners who became victims. May your affairs be made easier.”

There were also videos circulating on TikTok showing scenes of heightened security and restricted movement around the apartment complex.

Photos of the alleged bomb and the surroundings were seen all over social media platforms.

A TikTok user @cactus_hitam posted a video and described the situation on the ground.

“Basically, Desa Palma is currently under lockdown because there is a bomb near the Block A area.

“So basically, they have closed the entire entrance and exit to Palma, as well as the areas around Block A where the bomb was found,” he said.

According to the user, access in and out of the area was restricted for hours, which affected residents’ daily routines.

What happens next?

Police have not disclosed further details on the suspects or motives but said patrols will remain in place as investigations continue.

Authorities have urged the public not to speculate and to rely on verified updates as more information emerges.