PEOPLE all over the world celebrated the arrival of the New Year in many ways. From outright street parties to quiet family gatherings, most people found a way to usher in 2024 and bid adieu to 2023 in a safe and hopefully fulfilling manner.
However, a viral video that's been floating on social media showed some folk celebrating by causing mass panic. The video showed people running in fear as fireworks were set off at their feet, and this apparently happened in Kedah over the New Year.
Is this true?
Verdict:
TRUE
The police have verified that the 15-second video clip that went viral showing an incident where fireworks were set off on the ground, causing bystanders to panic and run away, happened at Dataran Bandar Baharu, Kedah.
According to the police, they had opened investigations on the incident that occurred at midnight on Monday (Jan 1) during the 2024 New Year celebrations there.
Bandar Baharu District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Azmi Mokhtar told Sinar Harian that setting off fireworks on the ground endangered the safety of visitors, but the initial investigation found that there were no injuries or loss of life.
"The review found that the District Police Headquarters (IPD) was not informed or received any application about the setting off of fireworks by the organisers.
"No permit was issued," he said in a press statement on Monday.
Azmi said the case was being investigated under Section 3 (5) of the Petty Offenses Act 1955, which provides for a fine not exceeding RM100 or imprisonment for not more than a month or both.
"The public is advised not to make any speculations regarding the incident, thus causing public annoyance," he explained.
