Ipoh police chief Abang Zainal Abidin Abang Ahmad said authorities received information about the incident from the public at 6.07pm.

He said that witnesses saw and recorded a video of the man, along with another suspect, cutting cables near a petrol station.

“As they were cutting the cables, an explosion occurred, knocking both suspects unconscious. One of them was later confirmed dead.

“The other suspect regained consciousness and fled the scene on a motorcycle,” he was quoted as saying by Utusan Malaysia.

Abang Zainal said checks revealed that the deceased had a criminal record of violent crimes and property-related offences.

He said the affected company had lodged a report on the theft, with an investigation paper opened under Section 379 of the Penal Code.

“The case has been classified as sudden death. Members of the public with information on the incident are urged to come forward and assist in the investigation by contacting the nearest police station,” he said.