JBPM and local government departments must review fireworks stall SOPs nationwide to enhance safety after two recent fires.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Fire and Rescue Department and the Local Government Department have been directed to review standard operating procedures for temporary fireworks sales stalls nationwide.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the move aims to ensure festive seasons are celebrated safely and that traders prioritise community safety.
“The guidelines will focus on establishing appropriate safety distances between stalls, as well as re-evaluating stall locations to ensure they are not too close to permanent structures and residential areas,” he said.
Nga added that the ministry would examine a requirement for every licensed stall to be equipped with functioning fire extinguishers for immediate emergency action.
“Safety and festivities must go hand in hand. By refining these guidelines, we are committed to strengthening public safety so that every Malaysian can enjoy a vibrant festive atmosphere safely,” he said.
The directive follows two recent fire incidents involving temporary fireworks stalls.
Early Sunday morning, a stall selling various firecrackers in Taman Pekaka, George Town, was destroyed, damaging a motorcycle and three air-conditioning units of a nearby house.
A similar incident occurred at Majidee Corner 1C, Jalan Bunga Ros, Johor Bahru, when a fire at a firecracker sales stall destroyed a Proton Gen-2 car and a food truck.
