SUNGAI PETANI: An object resembling a grenade and a threatening note were found outside the administrative office of a factory in Bukit Selambau here today, triggering a police investigation.

Kuala Muda district police chief Assistant Commissioner Hanyan Ramlan said police received a call from a worker at 12.30pm regarding the object at the main entrance of the administrative office.

He said the Bomb Disposal Unit (UPB) was called in and found that the object resembled a hand grenade but was not functional.

"It was not a complete bomb. It was incomplete but resembled the shape of a hand grenade.

"We will open an investigation paper under Section 506 of the Penal Code and investigate from various angles, including whether the management or workers had previously received any threats," he told a press conference at the scene today.

Hanyan said the factory operates 24 hours a day and workers first noticed the object at 10am.

He said the main entrance was used by office staff to enter the premises but was not covered by closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

"Based on the inspection, the object was a replica and, at first glance, resembled a hand grenade.

"However, we are conducting further investigations to determine what it was made of, whether wood or metal. It resembles a hand grenade but is not one," he said.

Hanyan said police had identified witnesses but could not disclose further details as the investigation was ongoing.

He said the note, written in red Malay text, read "Berhenti operasi" (Stop operations).

"We are still investigating which operation the note was referring to," he said.

Hanyan said while some people might not consider the note a threat, the factory management could perceive it as one.

"We will obtain further statements from witnesses and the management and gather additional information to assist in the investigation," he said.