Hungry Ghost Festival: M'sians Discuss If We Should Have Regulations On Burning Joss Paper
A video showed devotees burning substantial piles of joss paper during a celebration in Kuching, Sarawak.
By May Vin Ang — 23 Aug 2024, 10:39 AM
As Malaysia commemorates the Hungry Ghost Festival, social media users are discussing if there should be restrictions when it comes to the practice of burning joss paper
In a viral Reddit thread, a user brought up the question of regulations while sharing a video of devotees getting ready to burn substantial piles of joss paper on Jalan Sekama in Kuching, Sarawak.
According to The Borneo Post, hundreds of believers gathered at the parking lot in front of a coffeeshop there to commemorate the Hungry Ghost Festival on Sunday, 18 August.
The Hungry Ghost Festival, also known as Zhong Yuan Festival, is celebrated by Taoists on the 15th night of the seventh month in the Chinese lunar calendar
The entire seventh month of the Chinese lunar calendar is believed to be when the gates of heaven and hell open, allowing spirits to wander the realm of the living.
To appease these spirits and provide them with comfort, devotees burn joss paper, which comes in the form of material items such as luxury cars, homes, clothes, and furniture.
This ritual is intended to ensure that the spirits have adequate resources in the afterlife and to prevent them from causing mischief or harm to the living.
While the customary practice is common in Malaysia, the recent video has raised concerns among social media users, who are arguing that the amount is excessive
With discussions about its environmental and social impacts, many netizens called for the introduction of regulations to manage the practice more effectively.
Currently, according to AskLegal.my, open burning for religious or cultural activities is exempt from open burning restrictions under Section 29A of the Environmental Quality Act 1974.
This has allowed the tradition to continue largely unregulated.
As the debate continues, it may be worth emulating our neighbours with the same cultural background
According to CNA, the issue of joss paper burning is also prominent in Singapore. However, authorities have sought compromise between respecting religious and cultural traditions and addressing social and environmental concerns.
The Municipal Services Office and local town councils often remind citizens to adhere to responsible joss paper and incense burning practices.
Some of their key messages are as follows:
- Burn joss paper in proper burners or designated burners provided and in small quantities to minimise smoke generation.
- Avoid open burning of joss paper and incense sticks/candles directly on the ground and grass patches as this poses potential fire hazards and damages ground surfaces which are common public property.
- Do not dispose of inflammable items such as lighters, matchsticks, and cigarette butts into the burner or leave the burner unattended while burning.
- Do not toss or scatter joss paper, and ensure that offerings are cleared up after prayers.
- Burn offerings based on sincerity, and burn smaller amounts of joss paper to reduce smoke and ashes.
