In an official statement today, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Amar Singh Ishar Singh said the fire was caused by engine issues, not an explosion as rumours on social media had claimed.

“Kuala Lumpur police stress that the incident stemmed from the van’s inner workings and was not an explosion as has been made viral,” Amar Singh said.

He warned that the originators of such rumours could and would be investigated under the Communications and Multimedia Act.

The incident happened when the passenger van was on its way from Kedah to Kuala Lumpur.

The driver later lodged a report at the Jalan Tun HS Lee traffic police station.

Bernama also reported that Dang Wangi police today denied reports spread via social media that a police van and three policemen were injured in the explosion.

Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zainol Samah said those who spread such news were irresponsible because it raised concern among the people.

“The picture of a burning van does not belong to the police and neither were any policemen injured in the explosion as claimed,” he told Bernama when contacted tonight.