KUALA LUMPUR: There must be clear and comprehensive safety guidelines for the use of firecrackers to achieve a win-win situation for the public and enforcers.

Alliance for Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the lifting of restrictions on firecrackers should be accompanied by proper guidelines to educate the public on safe handling.

"With the legalisation of firecrackers, the country could generate more revenue by selling and manufacturing the products, as well as creating new employment opportunities.

"But obviously, there must be proper guidelines to prevent accidents, injuries or even deaths caused by mishandling of firecrackers.

"When there are proper guidelines for the public such as to store and use firecrackers it would help decrease accidents," he said when contacted.

Lee also stressed that there should be increased monitoring and enforcement by authorities to reduce reckless handling and preventable accidents, especially among teenagers and children.

"During festivities, fireworks are the main attraction, regardless of the holiday. Teenagers and children are especially vulnerable to firecrackers, so there must be safety guidelines for the public.

"Authorities should be aware of illegal firecracker manufacturers, including those who transport them haphazardly.

"If the authorities have a clear and comprehensive guideline on this, all these (accidents) could be prevented seeing there were severe burn cases of those who mishandled the firecrackers," he said.

Lee called on the government to consider increasing the Fire and Rescue Department's allowances to prepare for future accidents.

Yesterday, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming announced that the Cabinet had agreed to legalise and regulate fireworks and firecrackers in the country in a move to curb smuggling of these items.

He said wholesalers and importers who had been bringing in fireworks and firecrackers illegally would now be subject to licences, import duties and guidelines and regulations.

Nga said suppliers would need to apply via the Home Ministry, which would be in charge of import and licensing issues.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/02/876425/have-clear-safety-guidelines-firecrackers-says-lam-thye