PDRM: Up to 7 Years’ Jail, RM10k Fine for Fireworks Other Than ‘Happy Boom’ & ‘Pop-Pop’ This CNY

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has reminded the public that possessing, selling, buying or setting off firecrackers and fireworks for any celebration, including the upcoming Chinese New Year on 17 February, without permission is an offence.

In a statement, Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Dato’ Fadil bin Haji Marsus said only two types of fireworks are allowed, namely “Pop-Pop” and “Happy Boom.”

For illustration purposes only

Malaysians caught possessing or selling illegal fireworks could face up to seven years in jail and a RM10,000 fine

Fadil added that offenders could face up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both, under Sections 7 and 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 (Act 207).

To better understand the legal framework behind these strict penalties, WORLD OF BUZZ spoke with Danial Harith, an associate at Kuala Lumpur-based law firm ADIL Legal. He explained that the use of fireworks is primarily governed by a combination of the Explosives Act 1957 and the Minor Offences Act 1955.

Under Section 2 of the Explosives Act 1957, fireworks are legally classified as “explosives” under the Act’s interpretation clause. In simple terms, this puts fireworks in the same legal category as gunpowder, dynamite, rockets and detonators.

Screenshot of section 2 of the explosives act 1957

Danial added that anyone convicted of manufacturing, importing or possessing fireworks or any other explosive listed under Section 2 may face up to five years in jail, a RM10,000 fine, or both, as provided under Section 4(2) of the Explosives Act 1957.

An even heavier penalty applies under Section 6 of the same Act. Those convicted of causing an explosion that is likely to endanger life or property can face up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to RM10,000, or both. Section 6 of the Explosives Act 1957 states as follows:

Screenshot of section 6 of the explosives act 1957

“The public is reminded not to set off firecrackers and fireworks after midnight”

Fadil Marsus, however, said that even though “Pop-Pop” and “Happy Boom” are allowed, their sale still requires a permit from the relevant District Police Headquarters and must follow the set specifications.

He also warned that people could face similar penalties if they set off firecrackers and fireworks after 12 AM.

“The public is reminded not to set off firecrackers and fireworks after midnight, as this can cause disturbance or pose a danger to others. Those who fail to comply may face action under Section 13 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 and Section 7 of the Explosives Act 1957, which carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of RM10,000, or both,” he said.

Dato’ fadil bin hj marsus

Previously, in a press statement on 9 February 2024,  PDRM published the list of fireworks and firecrackers allowed for sale in our country, which are:

1. POP-POP
2. HAPPY BOOM GLOW OF SUNSET
3. HAPPY BOOM SUNSET BAR
4. HAPPY BOOM GLORIES
5. HAPPY BOOM FLOWER SILVER CRACKING RAIN (20 SHOT)
6. HAPPY BOOM BIRTHDAY CANDLE
7. HAPPY BOOM DUSH 20 (ROMAN CANDLE)
8. HAPPY BOOM DUSH 30 (ROMAN CANDLE)
9. HAPPY BOOM 10 SHOOTS (ROMAN CANDLE)
10. HAPPY BOOM 8 SHOOTS ROMAN CANDLE (NEW)
11. HAPPY BOOM SUN SPARKLES
12. HAPPY BOOM COLOUR SUN SPARKLE (18 INCI BESI COLOUR)
13. HAPPY BOOM FOUNTAIN
14. HAPPY BOOM 10 INCI ICE CREAM (FOUNTAIN)
15. HAPPY BOOM 15 INCI ICE CREAM (FOUNTAIN)
16. HAPPY BOOM 13 INCI CONIC (FOUNTAIN)
17. HAPPY BOOM MINI ICE CREAM (FOUNTAIN)
18. HAPPY BOOM PEACOCK FOUNTAIN
19. HAPPY BOOM HAPPINES FOUNTAIN
20. HAPPY BOOM GROUND BOOM FLOWER
21. HAPPY BOOM CAMELIA FLOWER
22. HAPPY BOOM FIREWORK
23. HAPPY BOOM PILI CRACKER
24. HAPPY BOOM PILI CRACKER 3 MINUTES
25. HAPPY BOOM MOON (ROCKETS)
26. HAPPY BOOM THUNDER CLAP (ROCKETS)
27. HAPPY BOOM TOP GUN (UFO)
28. HAPPY BOOM TOP GUN
29. HAPPY BOOM SKY DRAGON (NEW)
30. HAPPY BOOM 14 INCI BESI
31. HAPPY BOOM BEE
32. HAPPY BOOM MANCIS
33. HAPPY BOOM CILI PADI
34. HAPPY BOOM PARTY POOPER
35. HAPPY BOOM BANANA KECIL
36. HAPPY BOOM BANANA HUJAN
37. HAPPY BOOM RED CRACKER (8 INCI)
38. HAPPY BOOM RED CRACKER (CAKE)
39. HAPPY BOOM CELEBRATION RED FIRE CRACKER
40. HAPPY BOOM ASSORTED CELEBRATION CAKE REPEATER (1 INCI 49 SHOT)
41. HAPPY BOOM ASSORTED CELEBRATION CAKE REPEATER (1.5 INCI 138 SHOT)
42. HAPPY BOOM SHOOT CAKE (1 INCI 16 SHOT)
43. HAPPY BOOM SHOOT CAKE (1 INCI 25 SHOT)
44. HAPPY BOOM SHOOT CAKE (1 INCI 36 SHOT)
45. HAPPY BOOM TIKUS 50 (50 MISSILE)

Happy Chinese New Year from all of us at WORLD OF BUZZ! Wishing all Malaysians and your families happiness, health, and good fortune.

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