SUCH is the brewing dilemma that Malaysian lion dance troupes will have to iron out with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and they have barely 24 hours to do so lest their ushering of the Year of the Fire Horse tomorrow (Feb 16) and beyond can only be accompanied by a large drum, cymbals and a gong.
Unless the kiddo-class Pop-Pop firecrackers or the Happy Boom fireworks can replace the centuries old long red string firecrackers, it can be imagined that lion dance performances whether at corporate or household level in Malaysia will be one of sombre affair.
As it is, lion dance performances to be accompanied by firecrackers primarily to ward off evil spirits, scare away the mythical beast Nian and to attract good fortune, prosperity and joy in the Lunar New Year.
This tradition is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore where the combination of intense noise and the colour red is believed to cleanse negative energy and create a festive, lucky atmosphere.
But alas, only Pop-Pop and Happy Boom are allowed for they do not contain explosive materials that could endanger public safety.
“Anyone found possessing, selling, purchasing or playing with firecrackers and fireworks other than those permitted may face action under Sections 7 and 8 of the Explosives Act 1957,” Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Fadil Marsus has warned yesterday (Feb 15)
“Upon conviction, offenders may be sentenced to up to seven years’ imprisonment, fined up to RM10,000 or both.”
In fact, Fadil’s statement invited ridicule with one netizen to Buletin TV3’s Facebook post on the matter reminding lion dance troupes “to only throw Pop-Pop during their performance”.
Another teased about “not confusing the sound of Pop-Pop” with that of the long red string firecrackers which are typically burned during lion dance performances with one commenter contending that permits can be obtained beforehand from local councils, police or other relevant authorities.
Another remarked that “(DAP secretary-general) Anthony Loke (Siew Fook) is watching”, an insinuation that the Transport Minister could step in to overrule the KL top cop in the quest to protect interest of the Chinese community which is the party’s election fixed deposit.
One netizen even wondered why selling of firecrackers is permissible as evident from the many legal roadside makeshift stalls while “playing is disallowed”.
True meaning of tolerance
On a serious note, a housewife who lives in a predominantly Chinese neighbourhood has found a neighbour-friendly approach to tolerate the din emitted by incessant burning of firecrackers till at least 1am or 2am during the Chinese New Year (CNY) season.
Confessing that it was never easy coping especially when her children were still toddlers, the digital creator refused to allow anger to get better of her.
“Want to go and curse in front of people’s houses? For me, that’s just a waste of time. I want to live a calm life for I want my children to grow up with a positive ‘vibe’,” she penned on her Facebook page.
So, I changed my strategy. Every time it’s CNY, I’ll tell my children to get ready. “Tomorrow is CNY, let’s go out to watch Uncle and Auntie play firecrackers, okay?”
My children are so excited! When midnight comes, our family goes out. We watch fireworks like a New Year’s Eve celebration. Look at the neighbours burning the long red string firecrackers
My neighbours are all nice, too. When they see my children screaming excitedly, they immediately invite them to play. They even offer my children fireworks to play while keeping them safe.
I can sit on the sidelines and calmly watch the children happily learn about other cultures. They ‘mingle’ with the Uncle and Auntie who are very diligent in handling my children’s mischief.
Sometimes, we need to have a sense of tolerance. Just as we’re excited to celebrate Hari Raya, that’s how they feel about celebrating CNY.
So, when you hear the sound of firecrackers, don’t just cover your ears under the blanket. Let’s go out and join in. Not always, right? Let’s live in harmony with our neighbours, only then will our hearts be at peace. – Feb 16, 2026
Main image credit: Bloomberg; Bernama
