Government orders review of fireworks stall safety rules after Penang fire, amid rising incidents nationwide
PETALING JAYA: A fire that destroyed a fireworks stall in Nibong Tebal, Penang has prompted the government to order a nationwide review of safety procedures governing temporary fireworks outlets.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry has directed the Fire and Rescue Department and the Local Government Department to reassess existing SOPs following the incident.
The blaze, which broke out at 12.15am on Sunday at a stall in Taman Pekaka, destroyed the premises, gutted a motorcycle and damaged parts of a nearby house, including its air conditioning units.
A widely shared video of the incident showed workers scrambling to pull down shop shutters as firecrackers and fireworks misfired during the blaze.
Nga said the review would include setting buffer zones between stalls and reassessing their proximity to residential areas and permanent structures.
He also said the ministry would consider making it mandatory for licensed stalls to be equipped with functional fire extinguishers to enable immediate response in emergencies.
“Our objective is to ensure vendors operate in a responsible manner that prioritises the safety of the surrounding community.
“Safety and celebration must go hand in hand. By refining these guidelines, we are working to enhance public safety so that every Malaysian can enjoy a bright and festive holiday season.”
Fires involving premises selling firecrackers and fireworks have surged, with 113 incidents recorded nationwide in 2025, compared with 19 the year before, a 494% increase.
Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Exco Jason H’ng said the stall involved had been operating with a valid permit issued by the Seberang Perai City Council from Feb 19 to today.
He said the permit was revoked immediately after the explosion, and monitoring of other fireworks stalls in the area has been stepped up.
“The cause of the incident has been left to the Fire and Rescue Department (to ascertain) and we will wait for their official report.”
H’ng, who is also Jawi state assemblyman, said local authorities are reviewing licensing procedures to prevent similar incidents.
“Measures being considered include requiring fire extinguishers and public liability insurance,” he said, adding that studies will be conducted before any decisions are made.
He also said stall locations would be reviewed to ensure they are not set up near residential areas.
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the rising number of such incidents points to a serious safety concern that cannot be ignored.
“The fact that such a large number of cases have occurred indicates that this is a matter that must be taken seriously.”
Lee stressed that public safety must remain the primary concern, particularly for those living or working near such stalls.
“It is a very high risk and it can lead to injury or even fatal accidents.”
He called for a review of existing regulations and stricter enforcement.
“If there have been so many cases, it means it is a question of implementation, a question of poor enforcement,” he said, adding that authorities must carry out regular checks to ensure compliance with safety rules.
He said sellers of higher-risk firecrackers are required to obtain permits from police, depending on the type of products involved.
“Those selling firecrackers must take personal responsibility in ensuring the safety of their customers and the public by complying with the rules and regulations imposed by authorities.
“Law enforcers must also go and check to make sure these rules or regulations are complied with.”
Lee suggested that basic safety measures be made mandatory at stalls, along with regular inspections to ensure compliance.
However, he added that firecrackers should not be banned outright as they remain part of festive traditions.
“It is something that we must not ban, but safety must always be safeguarded.”
