KUALA LUMPUR: The high number of incidents involving firecrackers shows that the items, although banned, can still be found in the country, said Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman Tan Sr Lee Lam Thye.
He said one of the latest cases involved a 13-year-old boy who lost four fingers after playing with firecrackers with his friends at Kampung Sokor, Kok Lanas on May 18.
The victims in such cases, especially children, are often seriously injured -they either lose their fingers and limbs or suffer from severe burns, he said.
It was reported that the ban on firecrackers and fireworks in 1995 is still being enforced by the government. Those involved may be punished under various acts including the Explosives Act 1957 and the Corrosive and Explosive Substances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958.
Those who own, sell, buy or play firecrackers or fireworks other than those permitted can be charged under Section 7 and 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 which carries a jail term of seven years or a fine of RM10,000 or both.
Those who manufacture, possess or import firecrackers and fireworks without a permit can be charged under Section 4 (2) of the Explosives Act 1957 which carries a five-year prison term or RM10,000 fine or both.
Those who play and burn firecrackers and fireworks can also be sentenced to imprisonment not exceeding one month or a fine up to RM100 or both under Section 3 (5) of the Minor Offences Act 1955.
Lee said frequent incidents involving firecrackers should not have occurred since such items have been banned in Malaysia except for "pop-pop" fireworks and "Happy Boom / Magic Pop" firecrackers, which are considered safe.
Those who want to bring in and sell permitted fireworks and firecrackers must get a special permit from the police.
“However, I understand that some of them have also brought in the illegal items. More worryingly, unlicensed traders have also smuggled the banned items.
“I hope that the authorities and the Ministry of Home Affairs could review and tighten existing laws and thoroughly investigate how the banned items could be brought into the country,” he said in a statement here, today.
He added that the police should strengthen their cooperation with the Royal Customs and the Malaysian Border Security Agency (AKSEM) to find ways to stop the smuggling of fireworks and firecrackers into the country.
“At the same time, strict action must be taken against those who bring in and sell firecrackers, including those who do it online and on their social media accounts.
“The public, especially parents, must also ensure that their family members are not involved in the sale of banned items or playing with firecrackers and fireworks.
“Close monitoring by parents is also needed to prevent their children from making their own firecrackers using permitted fireworks or other flammable substances,” he said.
Lee said proactive action is needed by all parties concerned to effectively address the frequent incidents of injuries caused by the easy availability of illegal firecrackers in the community.