All fired up: Shoppers getting their supply of firecrackers for Chinese New Year at Ayer Itam market, George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/ The Star
PETALING JAYA: Enjoy setting off firecrackers but please keep the kids safe, follow the guidelines, and be extra wary of lighting them up near dry grass and brush.
This was the advice from authorities as this Chinese New Year is expected to be ushered in with a big bang following the legalisation of firecrackers last year.
The move to decriminalise fireworks has also been a boon for part-time traders, who have been able to earn side income that will be used for their own Chinese New Year preparations.
Fire and Rescue Department Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said families living in drier parts of the country must be extra careful when playing fireworks.
“Setting off fireworks towards any undergrowth is also dangerous as it can ignite a fire if there is dried brush and grass,” he told The Star yesterday.
“Don’t get carried away and perform risky acts. Certain firecrackers are unsuitable and unsafe for children and should only be set off by adults.”
Those selling firecrackers must also store them away from combustible items, Nor Hisham said.
Federal police director of Internal Security and Public Order Comm Datuk Seri Hazani Ghazali said police would be carrying out regular patrols in residential areas to ensure that fireworks are set off safely.
“Take care of your families, especially children. Make sure they are constantly under adult supervision when playing with fireworks,” he said.
“Also, do not modify or alter the firecrackers into something else, such as “meriam buluh” (a bamboo cannon), or make homemade explosives.”
He also urged the public to contact the police if anyone is seen playing with firecrackers dangerously,” he told The Star.
It is learnt that Bukit Aman will issue a statement soon with guidelines on the sale and use of firecrackers.
Ivan, a trader in SS2, said he turned to selling firecrackers to earn quick cash.
“I am glad the ban on fireworks was lifted. Everyone is affected by the poor economy and the rise in the price of everything. I am an ehailing driver but that does not draw much income.
“I am temporarily doing this, in hope of earning more, so I can have a decent Chinese New Year celebration with my family,” said the 45-year-old.
Another trader, Ben Tong, decided to sell firecrackers this year instead of oranges.
“In the past, I sold oranges, but I decided to sell firecrackers this year,” said the trader as he held up a police permit to sell firecrackers.
Kuala Lumpur-based firecracker importer and supplier Tony Chung said the permits allowed for the sale of firecrackers for up to about 20 days.
“I hope the government will give them a longer period to sell. Since the public is allowed to set off firecrackers until Chap Goh Meh is over, the vendors should also be allowed to sell firecrackers over the same period,” said Chung.
