KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Police are investigating reports of an explosive sound and tremors felt in the Ipoh area earlier today, said Perak Police Chief Datuk Azizi Mat Aris.

He said preliminary investigations have not produced likely sources of the sound and tremors around 11.06am that alarmed residents in the vicinity.

"A check with the Northern Brigade of the General Operations Force in Ulu Kinta showed that no explosion-related training was conducted today, and a check with the Land and Mines Office confirmed that no quarry blasting took place before 12.00pm,” he said in a statement.

Azizi said the Malaysian Meteorological Department also did not report any seismic activity in the area, although an earthquake occurred in Halmahera, Indonesia, at 11.24am today.

The police chief then urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the Perak Contingent Control Center at 05-2451119 or 05-2451073.

He also advised the public to stay calm and avoid speculation that could cause unnecessary panic.

Earlier today, Ipoh residents reported hearing a loud boom that some described as like the sound of a "bomb going off”.

No injuries or property damage has been reported.