Authorities told to boost enforcement after child injured in firecracker mishap

2026-03-18 - 06:50

Suhakam’s children’s commissioners said stricter enforcement is necessary to prevent further injuries, particularly among children who may be unaware of the dangers associated with illegal firecrackers. (Reuters pic) PETALING JAYA: Suhakam’s children’s commissioners have called on authorities to strengthen enforcement against the sale and use of illegal firecrackers, citing an increase in the number of children injured while playing with them. In a statement today, they urged the police and relevant authorities to take immediate and decisive action to curb the increase in illegal and unapproved firecrackers. They also called for a review of the Explosives Act 1957 to tighten controls and impose heavier penalties on those who smuggle, distribute, or sell illegal firecrackers. “Although the Explosives Act 1957 provides for severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of RM10,000, or both, for those who unlawfully use explosives in a manner that endangers life or property, visibly weak enforcement has rendered the law largely ineffective,” they said. Their call followed reports of a four-year-old boy who lost several fingers and sustained serious injuries in a firecracker explosion. They said more than 200 firecracker-related injuries occur annually in Malaysia, including cases involving the loss of fingers and other serious injuries. While not all cases involve children, “the risks to children remain significant”, they added. They said stricter enforcement was necessary to prevent further injuries, particularly among children who may be unaware of the dangers associated with illegal firecrackers. They added that the safety of children was not the sole responsibility of the authorities. “Parents are urged to educate their children that momentary excitement from playing with illegal firecrackers is not worth the lifelong consequences of serious injury or death.” They also said religious leaders, including imams, should be roped in to reinforce the message through sermons and community engagement.