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POLICE in Nibong Tebal have detained three individuals to assist investigations into a fire that engulfed a firecracker stall in Taman Pekaka, an incident which also caused damage to nearby property.
Seberang Perai Selatan district police chief Superintendent Jay January Siowou said the arrests involved two men and one woman, all local residents.
“All suspects have been remanded for three days from March 23 to 25 to assist investigations.
“The case is being investigated under Section 286 of the Penal Code, which relates to negligent conduct involving explosive substances,” he said in a statement.
Police received a report of the incident at 12.05am, with the blaze resulting in damage to several properties, including a motorcycle, two cars, as well as nearby premises comprising a restaurant and a residential house.
“No fatalities were reported in the incident. Preliminary investigations found that the firecracker stall had a valid permit,” he added.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire, which reportedly involved an explosion of fireworks before spreading to surrounding areas.
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and comply with safety regulations when handling flammable materials, particularly during the festive season.
“These measures are important to prevent unwanted incidents from occurring,” he said.
The incident follows earlier reports of a fireworks stall in the same area being nearly destroyed in a blaze, with damage estimated at around 95 per cent of the 10 by 10 foot structure.
In a separate incident highlighting the risks associated with fireworks, a man from Kuala Nerus in Terengganu narrowly avoided serious injury after a firework entered his vehicle and exploded, striking his hand before hitting the windshield.
Rashidi Ihshak, 38, from Kampung Seberang Takir, described the incident, which occurred while he was travelling home after breaking fast and performing prayers.
“I breathed a sigh of relief and was grateful when the firework that entered the car struck my hand before ricocheting and exploding on the car windshield.
“If it had not hit my hand, the firework would have struck the face of my 18-month-old baby who was in my wife’s lap, seated in the passenger seat,” he said.
He said the incident occurred at around 9pm when he had opened the car window during his journey, at which point a firework unexpectedly entered the vehicle.
The spark struck his left hand before ricocheting into the windscreen and exploding, causing the front windshield to shatter.
“Fortunately, it hit my hand; otherwise it would certainly have hit my baby’s face, who was in my wife’s lap.
“I do not know where the firework spark came from as there were too many people playing with fireworks at the time,” he said.
Rashidi stopped his vehicle to check on his family, as his three other children, aged 4, 8 and 9, were seated in the rear.
The vehicle sustained damage to its front windshield, the extent of which has yet to be determined as it occurred on the eve of Aidilfitri and has not yet been repaired.
“The incident happened very quickly, but God still protected my family even though my left hand suffered a minor injury,” he said, expressing concern over individuals playing fireworks near roadways.
He urged the public to exercise greater caution when handling fireworks in public areas, noting that such activities can pose serious risks to road users.
“Therefore, I hope the public will be more cautious when playing with fireworks in public places, as a misstep can endanger the lives of road users.
“Let what happened to me serve as a lesson; do not endanger the lives of others for personal enjoyment, and choose a safer location if you intend to play with fireworks,” he said. - March 24, 2026
