FREQUENT visitors to the Astaka Sports Complex field in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, had a rude shock upon discovering the area filled with remnants of used fireworks and firecrackers yesterday.
It is learnt that a group of people were seen playing with fireworks and firecrackers despite the rain on Monday night.
Boxes of fireworks and firecrackers of various types and plastic wrappers were strewn in the area.
A nearby condominium resident Harbans Kaur, who saw the mess left behind at the site when she went for her morning walk, described it as an “act by hooligans”.
She said the culprits had no regard for park users and Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) cleaners.
“Not to mention they pollute the environment.
“In the first place, firecrackers and fireworks are illegal. Secondly, they should have the decency to clean up their mess.
“This is totally unacceptable and should not be tolerated,” she said.
A StarOnline report on Feb 13 this year quoted the police who reminded the people that it was illegal to keep, sell and buy firecrackers and fireworks, and that the ban was in effect for all festive celebrations.
Those owning, selling or playing with illicit fireworks can be liable under Section 7 and Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.
Offenders can face a maximum seven years of jail or a fine of no more than RM10,000 or both, upon conviction.
A spokesperson from Gurdwara Sahib Petaling Jaya told StarMetro that visitors to the Sikh temple were not allowed to play fireworks near the area.
“We do not give permission to our visitors to play with fireworks and firecrackers outside the temple,” said the spokesperson, adding that the temple’s Deepavali event ended at 9pm.
An MBPJ spokesperson said the city council would investigate the matter.
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