THE recent explosion at a fireworks sales stall in Taman Pekaka, Nibong Tebal has raised serious concerns over public safety, with MCA Youth calling for stronger regulation and enforcement of fireworks sales nationwide.
The incident, which damaged nearby vehicles and caused panic among residents and businesses, is being described as a symptom of deeper, long-standing weaknesses in oversight.
According to data cited by MCA Youth, there were 113 fire incidents linked to fireworks sales premises in 2025—a sharp increase from 19 cases in 2024. As of February this year, seven additional cases have already been recorded.
Its secretary-general Saw Yee Fung said the figures point to a growing and inadequately managed risk.
“These are not mere statistics; they reflect a rising threat to public safety. Despite this, there has yet to be a meaningful or coordinated response,” she noted.
The fire in Nibong Tebal, which broke out at about 12.05am, destroyed the stall and damaged a motorcycle and three external air-conditioning units at a nearby house. No casualties were reported.
A 15-second video of the incident has gone viral, showing sparks and fireworks flying into a nearby restaurant as its workers scrambled to pull down the shutters.
Limited legal and safety frameworks
According to Saw, while discussions on legalising fireworks continue, progress on establishing proper legal and safety frameworks has been limited.
She also questioned why highly flammable materials are allowed to be sold near residential areas and whether existing regulations are being properly enforced.
“If regulations exist but are not enforced, that is a failure of governance. If they do not exist, it reflects a serious lapse in public safety,” she stressed.
Saw went on to urge the government to introduce clear and enforceable standards, including stricter rules on storage, quantity limits and minimum safety distances from residential zones.
She also called for an independent investigation into the incident, with findings made public, as well as accountability for any negligence by operators or authorities.
In addition, Saw called for a review of the role of local authorities and enforcement agencies, stressing that licensing and permit approvals must be subject to stricter scrutiny, alongside comprehensive, long-term reforms to fireworks regulation.
She warned against short-term responses, noting that similar incidents in the past have often been met with reactive measures that fade once public attention subsides.
“Public safety cannot be treated as an afterthought. The government must act firmly and consistently to restore public trust and prevent such incidents from recurring,” she remarked. ‒ March 24, 2026
Main image: Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia
