QuickCheck: Are fireworks legal in Malaysia?

Fireworks are a staple during festivals in Malaysia, and there are many types of fireworks to choose from.

Some are unambiguous, like sparklers and rockets, and others are more exotic; Roman candles shoot coloured balls from a tube, mines are explosive shells that burst into a light show in the sky and cakes are a battery of fireworks in a package.

Having said that, there is one important question that needs answering - is it true that these fireworks are legal in Malaysia?

VERDICT:

TRUE

Since 2018, only 45 types of fireworks from two specific brands - Pop-Pop and HappyBoom - are legal for sale to the public and of these, 36 are legal for sale from small businesses and bazaars. They are mostly spinners, fountains, sparklers, and Roman candles.

This has been said in several press statements issued by the police, with the last being on Feb 9, 2024 in conjunction with Chinese New Year.

In the statement, the police added that there are nine types of fireworks that can only be sold to the public by licenced agents.

The types under the conditional sales category that can only be traded by licenced dealers include the Happy Boom Red Cracker (eight inches), Happy Boom Red Cracker (Cake) and Happy Boom Celebration Red Fire Cracker.

Others in the list are the Happy Boom Assorted Celebration Cake Repeater (one inch 49 rounds), Happy Boom Assorted Celebration Cake Repeater (1.5 inch 138 shots), Happy Boom Shoot Cake (one inch 16 shots), Happy Boom Shoot Cake (one inch 36 shots), and Happy Boom Rat 50 (50 missile).

The police added that fireworks can only be sold 15 days before and after a festive season, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai, and Kaamatan and said that such items cannot be sold to anyone under 18-years-old.

Additionally, the police said in the same press release that the sale of fireworks online is strictly prohibited under the Explosives Substance Act.

It also said that restaurants and eateries are not allowed to sell fireworks.

There are also restrictions on when you can play fireworks as Section 13 of the Minor Offences Act makes it an offence to play with loud fireworks between 12am and 6am.

So, if you are planning to play with fireworks this festive season, remember to get yours from a licensed seller and play in a safe, open area before midnight.

References:

https://moha.gov.my/index.php/ms/maklumat-perkhidmatan/bahanletupan

http://www.commonlii.org/my/legis/consol_act/toc-1955.html

https://www.facebook.com/pdrmsiaofficial/posts/pfbid02HFP7bET3376KPmwCBtSRk7sEZAhtGPVefkmTyGaGhgLXwG66JSs1jevf5DGg8yail

http://happyboom.net/firecrackers/all