QuickCheck: Were burning firecrackers thrown at a lion dance troupe in Sabah?

The lion dance is synonymous with Chinese New Year, where homeowners and businesses alike hire these troupes with the belief that such performances will usher in good fortune and prosperity.

Recently, a video showing burning firecrackers being flung at a group of lion dancers during a performance in front of a shoplot in Sandakan went viral. Did such an incident really happen?

Verdict:

TRUE

Sandakan OCPD ACP Abdul Fuad Abdul Malek said the incident was believed to have occurred on Monday (Feb 12) night, adding that the shop owner had later apologised to the lion dancers and an amicable settlement had been reached.

“We received a report on this incident but both parties have settled the matter on their own,” he said.

No one was reported injured in this case, he added.

In the viral video, a woman could be seen throwing a burning firecracker at the lion dancers.

It is learnt that two of the dancers had ditched their friend and fled when firecrackers started to go off at their feet, leaving only one performer to carry the lion head.

The lone dancer could be seen jumping around frantically while still trying to finish his lion dance performance.