PETALING JAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department and Local Government Department have been ordered to review standard operating procedures (SOP) for temporary fireworks outlets after a stall in Nibong Tebal, Penang, went up in flames.
These guidelines aim to establish appropriate buffer zones between stalls and re-evaluate their proximity to permanent structures and residential buildings, said Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming (pic).
“We will also look into requirements for every licensed stall to be equipped with functional fire extinguishers for immediate emergency response,” he said yesterday.
A firecracker and fireworks stall was destroyed early Sunday, which damaged a motorcycle as well.
No casualties were reported.
The midnight fire led to various shops nearby, including an eatery, having to pull down their shutters to keep out the flying sparks.
Nga said the ministry wanted to ensure vendors operate in a responsible manner that prioritises the safety of their surrounding community.
“This is to prevent accidents and ensure our festive seasons are celebrated with both joy and safety.
“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.”
Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid, when contacted, said the council had cancelled the stall’s permit.
He said the stall involved had a permit from MBSP to operate from Feb 19 to March 24.
“We have cancelled their permit. We are also conducting checks on other fireworks stalls in the surrounding area to ensure safety.”
He said MBSP had always conducted checks but has now intensified its monitoring of similar outlets.
To avoid similar incidents, he added that MBSP had introduced rules for those operating fireworks stalls.
“Every stall must have a fire extinguisher on hand at all times. They must have valid insurance coverage as well.”
He said other appropriate safety conditions would be added from time to time.
“Our priority has always been to ensure public safety and we will do this through stricter monitoring and enforcement,” he said, adding that MBSP viewed Sunday’s blaze seriously.
Penang police chief Datuk Azizee Ismail said five reports had been lodged so far. The case is being investigated under Section 286 of the Penal Code for negligence involving explosive materials.
Fire and Rescue Department director-general Datuk Seri Nor Hisham Mohammad said that fires resulting from fireworks, including incidents at premises selling firecrackers, jumped by a whopping 494% in 2025, to 113 incidents.
Comparatively, he said 19 such incidents were reported in 2024, while seven were reported between January and February this year.
“Although permits are regulated by the Local Authority (PBT), the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia still plays a role in fire safety,” he said.
He said this includes providing technical safety advice to the local authority or traders, conducting fire safety inspections at certain premises, conducting surveillance activities during the festive season and conducting advocacy and awareness campaigns to traders and the public.
“Therefore, even though permit control falls under the local authority, the department continues to support in terms of fire prevention and safety,” he said.
