Penang state secretay Farizan Darus has criticised the pranksters who left three bags containing live animals in Komtar for disrupting public service.

NONE Farizan ( left ) said the prank appears to be ‘political’ in nature although he is uncertain of the motives behind those who committed the act.

But for an administrator of the state like him, Farizan viewed the prank as a “disturbance” as a number of public services were affected.

“The third floor, where the three bags containing a live iguana, a piglet and a duck were placed, is where public counters for various services are located,” he said.

“Although police came in to evacuate the floor after 4pm, when civil service staff had finished their work, the public service counters are still open until 5pm,” he added.

“Even the roads surrounding Komtar experienced massive traffic jam as the Fire and Rescue Department trucks and police came in to handle the situation,” he stressed.

After 4pm yesterday, police evacuated the third floor in Komtar and found three bags with the animals.

The bags - red, black and blue - were found at the entrance of the lifts leading to the state government offices, including the chief minister’s office.

Security guards are normally stationed there to check on those who enter the area.

penang crime police lim guan eng event pc 260908 ayub yaakob Penang police chief Ayub Yaakob ( right ) expressed his dissatisfaction at the prank, vowing to take stern action on the culprits.

The area is often bustling with activity and security to the lifts leading to the state government offices is usually tight.

It is uncertain how the pranksters could slip by the security guards and place the bags at the entrance to the lifts.

Farizan said the act of the pranksters has caused massive losses to the state secretariat.

He condemned their intention and motives, saying such acts should not be repeated as the people were the victims of such behaviour.

Security stepped up

Meanwhile, Farizan said the state secretariat would step up security in Komtar by installing more CCTVs along the public counters, and at the entrance of the first floor, where the public could also visit the government offices.

However, they would have to leave their identity cards and obtain a tag from the security counter there before going to the lifts.

He added that extra security personnel would also be recruited  to monitor the situation and that all guards have been briefed about the matter.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said about six extra CCTVs would be installed for a start, and the state government would review the matter to see if more are needed to keep Komtar safe.

Guan Eng not amused at 'animals in bags' caper