Residents say MPAJ should not allow firecrackers to be sold in bazaars. — Filepic
THE sale of firecrackers is allowed temporarily within the Ampang municipality in conjunction with the festive season.
Residents, however, are concerned about safety and urging the local authority to regulate the sale and use of firecrackers.
Since last year, the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) has permitted the temporary sale of firecrackers during major festivals.
Taman Nirwana Phase 2 Residents Association adviser M. Thomas said firecrackers should only be sold at suitable locations.
“They should not be sold in crowded areas like bazaars or markets as they can be easily set off.
“Environments such as shoplots would be safer,” he said.
He hoped that MPAJ would also carry out enforcement against illegal sellers.
Pandan Perdana resident Mohd Farhan Abdul Manaf, 35, said traffic would build up in areas where firecrackers were being sold.
“I have seen sellers setting up tents in high-traffic areas such as Jalan Perdana 6/2, which is a main entrance into this housing area.
“Customers park by the roadside causing traffic to build up,” he said, adding that the authorities should ensure the products sold were safe.
MPAJ, in a statement, said 26 applications for the temporary permit were received between March 1 and 16.
“Applicants had to include an original letter of appointment as an importer or distributor of fireworks from a company authorised by the police.
“The applicant must also include suggested locations to trade, which will be vetted for suitability by MPAJ.
“Locations must not hinder traffic flow and cannot be on pedestrian pathways, near fire hydrants, road intersections and other sites that are deemed inappropriate under the MPAJ Hawker By-law 2007,” the statement said.
The rates for the temporary permits range from RM300 a week to RM1,200 a month.
MPAJ has also allocated 22 locations for operators setting up temporary stalls during the festive season, such as lemang sellers.
These locations include Kampung Fajar, Hulu Kelang; Jalan Bukit Indah Utama, Bukit Indah; Jalan Tasek Tambahan, Taman Tasek Tambahan; Jalan Cempaka, Taman Cempaka and Jalan Taman Putra, Taman Putra.
