Until 1991, firecrackers were allowed on the first, second and fifteenth day of Chinese New Year. Until 1994, fireworks were allowed on Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas. Since then, there is a total ban on all firecrackers and fireworks except for non-harmful ones such as “Pop Pop”.

Despite the ban, the fireworks and firecrackers are sold openly especially during Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Despite the ban, fireworks and firecrackers are being let off during festivals.

It seems there is no point to ban fireworks and firecrackers as most people defy the ban, some even let them off openly outside their house, at playgrounds, etc.

Perhaps, it’s time to legalize fireworks and firecrackers for use on certain days during festivals such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas. It is better to allow people to let off fireworks and firecrackers legally. However, some guidelines and rules should be adhered to, such as, not to let off fireworks on the road! Besides, homemade firecrackers known as meriam buluh which is popular among the Malay community during Hari Raya Aidilfitri should be banned.

Looking at all the reported fireworks-related injuries, most of them involved the homemade meriam buluh. Hence, it is safe to allow certain fireworks to be let off, provided with adult supervision.