Have a 'Pop-Pop' and 'Happy Boom' Hari Raya, legally

‘Pop-Pop’ fireworks are among the 36 allowed for sale during Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2021 celebrations. -NSTP/File pic

KUALA LUMPUR: Only 36 types of fireworks such as 'Pop-Pop' and 'Happy Boom' varieties will be allowed for sale during Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2021 celebrations.

Bukit Aman Management Department (Administration) deputy director Datuk Mat Kasim Karim said the sale must comply with the rules set by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and among the fireworks that are allowed to be sold are Pop-Pop, Happy Boom Dush 20, Happy Boom Glow of Sunset, Happy Boom Flower Silver Cracking Rain and Happy Boom Thunder Clap (Rockets).

He said these items have been approved by the Home Ministry for fireworks import, store and trading for sales in conjunction with the festive season in the country.

However, he said there were nine types of 'Happy Boom' fireworks for sales in conjunction with the festive season (conditional) which could not be traded by small traders, retailers and supermarkets, including Happy Boom Red Cracker, Happy Boom Assorted Celebration Cake Repeate, Happy Boom Shoot Cake and Happy Boom Tikus 50.

He said, some of the conditions that must be complied with by small traders, retailers and supermarkets are that the seller is a Malaysian citizen, owning a business licence containing a list of 'Happy Boom' and 'Pop-Pop' fireworks and must be displayed for the purpose of inspection and enforcement by the authorities.

"The sale period is only allowed for 30 days (15 days before and 15 days after the festive season) subject to the approval and discretion of the police commissioner or state police chief.

"Sales outside the supermarket building (wholesaler/hypermarket) or shopping mall (shopping mall/ shopping centre) are allowed provided they have a safe storage place certified by the PDRM Armament Division and have a licence and permit from the local authorities," he said in a statement today.

Small traders and bazaars are also allowed on condition that they have a safe storage place and certified by the PDRM Armament Division, while retail businesses such as 7-Eleven, 99 Speedmart, Mr DIY and others are only allowed to sell one type of fireworks, namely Pop-Pop and they must have a PDRM permit.

"Transactions online or through any social media application are not allowed as well at restaurants, eateries or to buyers below 18 years old.

"All parties who run this business are reminded to adhere to standard operating procedures issued by PDRM and the authorities to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, including individuals who want to play fireworks," he said.

He said in violation of the stipulated conditions, legal action could be taken under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 (Act 207) which could result in a jail term of seven years or a fine of RM10,000 or both.-- BERNAMA