Fireworks: A boon or a bane?

Legalising the sale of fireworks in Malaysia makes it difficult to address social, environmental and public health concerns related to the setting off of such items. Instead, it has encouraged a level of widespread consumption that is increasingly difficult to manage, writes Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin.

Fireworks are discharged in Malaysia for cultural, religious and secular celebrations.

These occasions include Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali and Christmas, during which firecrackers are set off by the public at large. Secular events consist of officially sponsored fireworks displays to celebrate national holidays such as Merdeka, New Year’s Eve and other official occasions like the Gawai and Kaamatan festivals in East Malaysia.

Fireworks displays that are officially organised and funded by the government, corporations or government-affiliated bodies can cost hundreds of thousands of ringgit, depending on the scale and occasion. These are controlled and operated by professionals with all necessary security measures in place.

It is a beautiful sight to behold, creating various colourful, ephemeral patterns; however, they simultaneously emit voluminous, acrid smoke that pollutes the air. Such displays at designated venues have a limited duration, usually about an hour, and leave no debris scattered about, except at the launching sites.

Then there is the discharge of firecrackers and explosives of all makes and sounds during celebrations. This is especially prevalent during Chinese New Year, when firecrackers are discharged over a two-week period, from the eve of the Lunar New Year to the eighth night, finally culminating on the fifteenth day, Chap Goh Mei.

Over the years, the burning of fireworks during festive seasons has resulted in dire consequences, causing injuries including the loss of limbs. Most recently, a man in his 30s lost his leg due to a fireworks explosion at Taman Damai Jaya, Bukit Siput, in Segamat, Johor. It was also reported that a family was left shaken when a stray firecracker landed and exploded within their compound.

These activities also leave debris scattered across the roads.

Malaysia has laws against littering that forbid throwing or leaving any form of residue or garbage on the road. The remains of firecrackers and explosives constitute a wanton act of littering, and those responsible should be subject to the law and its consequences. Additionally, the sparks and explosives deface road surfaces, leaving large black scars that last for months.

During celebrations, the discharge of fireworks often continues throughout the night. Residents must not only endure air pollution but also the incessant thundering and explosions that often traumatise toddlers, children, the elderly, the sick and even pets. It affects the sleep of everyone except those discharging the crackers.

Previously, there was a ban on the possession and discharge of firecrackers and explosives, with the exception of sparklers. However, as with many other infringements and illegal activities, it lacked enforcement. This has been the hallmark of previous governments whose stances on such matters – as the Malay saying goes – are ‘macam lalang ditiup angin’ (wavering according to the prevailing political wind).

Consequently, the ban was lifted. In 2023, Local Government and Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming stated that the government had agreed to legalise the sale of fireworks and firecrackers in a bid to end the smuggling of such products. The authorities seem to have turned a blind eye to the hazards, injuries and public inconvenience caused by these explosives.

Despite a policy change stating that only ‘Happy Boom’ and ‘Pop Pop’ brands are permitted, other brands remain easily available for purchase online. It is also likely that roadside stalls stock illegal contraband.

Our southern neighbour across the Straits of Johor realised early on the hazards of firecrackers. Singapore has banned any form of explosive device since 1972, irrespective of whether the activity is a religious ritual or a secular pastime. The Singaporean government legislated the Dangerous Fireworks Act, which prohibits possession or discharge to safeguard public safety. Under this Act, offenders can be jailed for up to two years, fined between S$2,000 and S$10,000, or both.

In the Malaysian context, while fireworks are still classified as ‘explosives’ under the Explosives Act 1957, a shift in policy allows people to discharge them at their homes, provided they stick to specific brands. Unless house checks are conducted, it is difficult to determine if illegal fireworks are being used – unless, of course, someone is injured and the matter is reported.

The recent shift in policy does not make it any easier to address the social, environmental and public health concerns related to fireworks. Instead, it has encouraged a level of widespread consumption that is increasingly difficult to manage.

The views expressed here are the personal opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent that of Twentytwo13.