The police are puzzled how army personnel Ayob Hassim had managed to smuggle out explosive ordnance from the Hobart military camp in Kedah without being noticed.
According to inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar, this is one of the main focal points of the investigation.
"These are not explosive ordnance which can be concealed easily.
"We are also investigating if others were involved in helping the deceased army personnel smuggle the explosive out of the camp," he told Malaysiakini.
Asked how the absence of the explosive had remained undetected, he replied: "That is the focus of our questioning."
However, the police chief refused to speculate if the incident reflected a serious lax in the camp's security, stating that investigations were still ongoing.
The camp is located some 8km from the 34-year-old army personnel’s house in Taman Ria Mesra, Gurun.
On Christmas eve, an explosion at the house had killed the army man, his eight-year-old daughter Hidayah and his neighbour's son Afiq Lokman Mohd Sharizal, 5.
Ayob's wife Sharifah Haslinda Hashim, 30, and neighbour Zuraida Mat Robete, 30, were severely injured.
The massive explosion also damaged more than 40 houses in the area.
More than one bomb?
Meanwhile, Khalid said the police's bomb experts were still combing through the debris to determine whether more than one explosive ordnance had detonated.
As for the motive, he said the police were still investigating all angles, including whether Ayob had suffered from psychological issues.
Khalid, however, reiterated that there were no terrorist elements connected to the case. He also stated that there were no arrests made as yet.
Previously, Kedah Criminal Investigation Department Chief ACP Nashir Ya said a witness saw the army personnel allegedly grinding an object similar to a mortar bomb behind his house prior to the explosion.
He also confirmed that the mortar shell was military-issued after discovering dented half-cut splinters with marks indicating that it was meant for Malaysia Security Forces' usage.
Prior to this incident, the spotlight fell on the armed forces when two F-5E jet engines were reported missing in 2008 from the Royal Malaysian Air Force Base in Subang.
The engines were later located in Uruguay and brought back to Malaysia. - M'kini
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