Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Abd Jalil Hassan said that the police will not allow members of the public to possess, sell, purchase or setting off firecrackers/fireworks in conjunction with any festival including the Chinese New Year or Chap Goh Mei celebrations.
Additionally, the police will only allow the sale of ‘Happy Boom’ fireworks and ‘pop-pop’ firecrackers as it “does not contain explosive chemicals that could endanger the people”.
“The two products still require a permit from the District Police Headquarters in accordance with the specifications set.”
Currently, anyone found in possession, selling, buying or playing with firecrackers/fireworks can be prosecuted under Section 7 and Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 (Act 207).
So what will you get upon prosecution?
According to Abd Jalil Hassan, “those who set off firecrackers and fireworks which are banned could be sentenced to imprisonment no exceeding one month or fined up to RM100 or both, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3 (5) of the Minor Offences Act 1955.