THREE teenage boys were injured by electric shock during a temple procession in Mergong, Alor Setar at about 9pm last night after a flag they were carrying allegedly came into contact with a high-voltage power line.
Mergong Chah Boon Chuan Vegetable Temple Association secretary said the victims, aged 17, 17 and 16, were rushed to Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) for treatment.
He said thousands of participants were taking part in the procession along a main road in the area when the incident occurred.
“The flag was blown by strong winds during light rain before it was suspected of coming into contact with an electrical line.
“One teenager holding the flag and two others nearby were injured by electric shock.
“All three are understood to be receiving treatment in HSB’s red zone,” he told reporters outside the hospital’s Emergency and Trauma Department on Tuesday night.
Chah said the teenagers were still receiving treatment, but their latest conditions were not yet known.
He added that the flagpole was made of bamboo and that this was the first such incident during the procession.
Several videos of the incident, including footage showing the victims lying on the road, had earlier circulated on social media. - October 14, 2026