PETALING JAYA: Many Malaysians are now calling for stricter curbs following a spate of injuries linked to fireworks and firecrackers, with some saying this worrying trend began when the laws were eased two years ago.
Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader urged the government to reinstate a total ban, warning that the re-emergence of high-end fireworks poses serious safety risks apart from being a public nuisance.
He said fireworks made a noisy comeback during the recent Deepavali celebrations, especially in the Klang Valley, with some powerful enough to cause small tremors.
“Firecrackers and fireworks are never safe,” he said.
“They are loud and extremely powerful, frightening babies, pets, and disturb the sleep of the elderly and sick.
“They also leave behind piles of debris from burnt fireworks on public roads. It is a wasteful and unnecessary practice,” Mohideen added.
Fireworks were banned in Malaysia for nearly three decades following a series of gruesome accidents in the 1990s — many involving children who lost fingers or eyesight to homemade explosives.
At the time, the government clamped down hard on sellers to curb what had become a growing menace that was costing lives and limbs.
The explosives were legalised again in 2023, allowing sellers to obtain a police permit to sell only approved types, which are valid for several weeks before a festival.
On this, Mohideen said despite enforcement, the illegal ones continue to slip through.
He added that legalising fireworks has opened loopholes for smugglers and opportunistic traders to flood the market during festive seasons.
“Although all imported fireworks are supposed to be approved by the authorities, it is unclear how many have actually gone through proper verification.
“A total ban is the most effective approach.
“We should not wait for another tragedy before acting,” he said.
Mohideen dismissed arguments that fireworks only cause inconvenience for a few days, saying that many users begin setting them off weeks before and after the festivities.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad said tighter control and restrictions should be imposed on the types of fireworks sold to the public.
He said while small, low-risk fireworks could be tolerated, advanced pyrotechnics designed for large-scale displays should be prohibited as they pose serious danger in the wrong hands.
“Some of these powerful fireworks are not meant for amateur use. In the wrong hands, they can cause serious injuries or fires.
“There must be greater scrutiny over fireworks being sold to the public,” he said.
Bukit Bandaraya Residents Association adviser Datuk M. Ali said it is time for authorities to prohibit the use of such explosives, as they pose great risk in modern urban areas.
“In the past, the population was smaller and the homes were spread out with wide open spaces, but in today’s modern cities, there are too many high-rise buildings and compact streets,” he said.
A resident from Bandar Sunway, who spoke on anonymity, said the situation had spiralled out of control.
He added that smoke and fumes from fireworks were nauseating, which had left him and his family feeling sick briefly.
“I am certain the smoke pollution is detrimental to health as we felt sick after it seeped into our house.
“The debris from the fireworks is also a nuisance and often strewn all over the streets and left for weeks uncleared,” he added.
Calling for fireworks to be banned again, he said they seemed to be available all year long, as he could see them being set off during non-festive seasons and even at funerals.
In Kulim, Kedah, 22 people suffered injuries after being hit by illegal fireworks that were set off past midnight on Oct 20.
