PETALING JAYA: The legalisation of firecrackers and fireworks in Malaysia will enhance the festive mood, say Chinese groups.
The Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Huazong) said it welcomed the government’s announcement that it would legalise firecrackers and fireworks.
Its president Tan Sri Goh Tian Chuan said this was good news for the Chinese community and had been anticipated for many years.
“It will enhance the festive mood and bring some seasonal prosperity to Chinese New Year and other events in the future.
“But I want to urge the community to obey the law, be safe and enjoy this without upsetting other people. You must practise self-discipline,” he added.
Goh said the move would also help increase the government’s tax collection.
“We hope this will help stop smuggling activities and that the entire process – including importing, selling and burning – can be made more transparent and legal.
“The government is to be (lauded) for this open and liberal approach, as our Chinese community lion dances were once strictly regulated,” he added.
Administrative officer Farzihan Nur Syaiqa said that without permits, the sale of these items was done without any regulation.
“When there are no regulations for selling fireworks, accidents are more prone to happen as these items are not checked for their safety, handling or expiry dates,” said the 28-year-old who lives in Klang.
However, there must be proper instructions for handling, storing and discarding of these items, she added.
“With proper regulation and monitoring, people can celebrate festivals while also being safe,” said Farzihan.
Jane, who declined to give her full name, said this move would allow the government to collect tax on the sale of these items.
“People can also sell it freely and no longer have to hide.
“I think fireworks also bring people together as they will gather at one place to watch or set them off,” said the 30-year-old sales adviser who lives in Kuala Lumpur.
She also felt that the authorities should put a limit on how much fireworks a person could buy.
Businessman Mohammad Adib Khairi said he agreed with the government’s move as all races in the country enjoy celebrating every festival with fireworks.
“We should not withhold people from what they enjoy; it is better to regulate it instead,” he said.
The 35-year-old from Shah Alam added that the government could also set a time limit on when fireworks could only be set off such as before 1am to reduce public disturbance.
