Nga Kor Ming: Cabinet Unanimously Agrees To Legalise Firecrackers & Fireworks
The decision was reportedly made during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, 2 February.
The Cabinet has unanimously agreed to legalise firecrackers and fireworks in Malaysia, said Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming
He made the statement while speaking at an event organised by the Foochow Association of Negeri Sembilan last night, 2 February, reported China Press.
"Since the eve of Chinese New Year this year, firecrackers and fireworks have been thundering throughout Malaysia. It was even more extreme on the ninth day of the celebration," he said on stage.
"But you all have to understand that it is actually illegal... The police will catch you."
"However, when we were having a Cabinet meeting today (2 February)... I brought up the discussion to legalise firecrackers and fireworks," he said.
"The Cabinet unanimously agreed to legalise firecrackers and fireworks."
Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming smiled after making the announcement yesterday, 2 February.
Image via China Press
He said the decision will fulfill the long-awaited wishes of the Chinese community
The minister added that setting off fireworks and firecrackers is no longer a custom only widely practised by the Chinese community.
During Hari Raya and Deepavali, he said compatriots from other ethnic groups can also be seen setting off fireworks and firecrackers, with everyone celebrating together.
"The government's legalisation of setting off fireworks and firecrackers reflects the pluralism and moderation of the unity government. This policy can be said to be beneficial without any disadvantages," he explained.
According to him, the legalisation will allow the country to increase its revenue and improve the safety of the rakyat
"In the past, there were incidents of injuries related to the setting off of firecrackers and fireworks. And this is due to the reason that some products do not meet the requirements and standards," Nga said, as reported by The Borneo Post citing Oriental Daily.
With the move, all imported firecrackers and fireworks will require approval and verification from relevant authorities.
He said the authorities will issue import licences to ensure all firecrackers and fireworks brought into the country are safe.
The minister stressed that the policy is not designed to encourage the lighting of firecrackers and fireworks on a daily basis, but to stop smuggling and underground groups making profits, as well as to make the practice of the custom safe for everyone.
Earlier this week, a video of Malaysians setting off large fireworks by the side of a road went viral:
Check out this story to learn what you should do for your pets when fireworks are thundering in your neighbourhood:
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