With the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebrations in full swing, Malaysians can expect the night sky to be dominated by the sound of fireworks.
However, a local content creator has taken the opportunity to remind the public to be more mindful when lighting them. Lucas, who has previously highlighted the impact of firework explosions on animals, urged his fellow Malaysians to spare a thought for stray animals, which often panic and scramble for shelter at the sound of loud blasts.
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“My pet dog in my arms was trembling, so what about strays?”
In his Facebook post last night (February 15), Lucas revealed that he used to set off fireworks during the festive season, but his perspective changed after he got a pet dog. He recounted a night when the fireworks were so loud that his pet began trembling and was unable to sleep, even urinating out of sheer fear.
Even while being held in Lucas’s arms, the dog continued to shake. He shared:
“My pet dog in my arms was trembling, so what about those strays? I can’t imagine the stray animals on the street, the birds in the trees, and other animals.
“I’ve heard some dogs ran out of the house and lost their way.”
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“Must we surrender to the primal urge stirred by fire?”
Lucas also briefly discussed the tendency to set off fireworks during the festive season, describing the practice as “uncultured” in his post.
“Humans are already flawed beyond measure, and I cannot answer for every living being, but must we surrender to the primal urge stirred by fire and thunder?” he questioned.
Addressing potential critics, Lucas added:
“Perhaps you would say that calling it ‘uncivilised’ is too harsh. You would say that setting off firecrackers is a cultural tradition meant to drive away the Nian beast or to worship the heavens.”
However, Lucas argued that defining culture and religion as the pinnacle of “human civilisation” arises from a human-centred perspective. He suggested that whether this perspective truly encompasses the essence of civilisation remains deeply questionable.
At the end of his post, Lucas urged the public to be more considerate. He emphasised that mindfulness should extend not only to stray animals but also to neighbours, particularly children and the elderly.
In the meantime, here’s what the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) reminded the public about setting off fireworks during CNY, and a reminder to follow the rules to avoid unwanted troubles.
