The recent viral photo of fireworks openly for sale at a local Tesco brought up the perennial question on the lips of overly concerned family members. No, not “Bila nak kawin?” (When will you get married), but “Wait, are fireworks even legal?”
Yes, it’s holiday time, with Chinese New Year only days away, and like every festive season (we have a lot in Malaysia), this celebration demands the noisy presence of some kind of pyrotechnic display of appreciation. Ang pao is not enough, yee sang won’t do – you need a bit of boom boom pow to really make things auspicious.
Here’s the thing: Those fireworks that your uncle is lighting in the backyard most likely are illegal and/or need a permit to operate.
Fireworks have been classified as explosive devices in Malaysia since 1955, and those caught setting them off illegally are subject to a hefty fine of RM100 (US$25), and/or a month in prison.
RM100 for all the ong? Easy there, Firestarter. There’s also another law prohibiting their use under the Explosives Act 1957, that includes fireworks and fog signals (sorry, ravers) on their list of banned devices. This carries a sterner prison sentence of 5 years, and/or a RM10,000 (US$2,500) fine. Or both!
Wait, are you making them illegally? First of all, this sounds like a terrible idea. Second, you can add another 7 years prison term to that charge, plus another RM10,000 fine.
And finally, did you set off a firework and damage something? Like a nearby car? Your neighbor’s house? Or heaven-forbid, hurt someone? Seven years imprisonment awaits, and/or RM10,0000. Or both! Again!
Happy Boom fireworks, the brand pictured for sale at Tesco, according to company representatives speaking to Sin Chew Daily, is one of only two permitted varieties. The others are your childhood favorites Pop-pop. Both of these brands of fireworks are of the lo-fi, snap, crackle and pop variety, and are the only ones sanctioned under Malaysian law.
TL;DR – unless it’s Happy Boom or Pop-pop, it’s illegal. People get seriously hurt every year, losing limbs and eyes, so please think long and hard about your life choices.
Ok, lecture over. HAPPY NEW YEAR. GONG XI FA CAI Y’ALL.
