PETALING JAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department and Local Government Department have been ordered to review standard operating procedures (SOPs) for temporary fireworks outlets after a stall in Nibong Tebal, Penang went up in flames recently.
"This is to prevent accidents and ensure our festive seasons are celebrated with both joy and safety," Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said when contacted on Monday ( March 23).
"Our objective is to ensure vendors operate in a responsible manner that prioritises the safety of the surrounding community."
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Nga said the guidelines aim to establish appropriate buffer zones between stalls and re-evaluate their proximity to permanent structures and residential buildings.
"We will also look into requirements for every licensed stall to be equipped with functional fire extinguishers for immediate emergency response.
"Safety and celebration must go hand in hand. By refining these guidelines, we are working to enhance public safety so that every Malaysian can enjoy a bright and festive holiday season," he added.
ALSO READ: Explosive morning: Blaze at fireworks stall sends sparks flying into Nibong Tebal eatery
Earlier, Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said the council had cancelled the stall's permit.
Baderul said the stall involved had a permit from MBSP to operate from Feb 19 to Tuesday (March 24).
While no casualties were reported, the stall and a motorcycle were destroyed.
A viral video showed restaurant workers near the stall rushing to pull down shutters to keep stray sparks out of their premises.
