24/03/2026

TUESDAY | MAR 24, 2026

5

Nga orders review of safety SOPs for fireworks stalls

Govt urged to mandate extinguishers in vehicles GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia should consider mandating fire extinguishers in private vehicles as vehicle fires can escalate rapidly if not contained early, said former Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong. He said such a road safety measure was introduced in South Korea in December 2024, applying to passenger vehicles with five seats or more, as well as buses, lorries and certain special-purpose vehicles. “This reflects a strong commitment to public safety and emergency preparedness,”he said, urging the Transport minister to consider similar measures. He said vehicle fires can occur without warning due to electrical faults, engine overheating, fuel leaks or road crashes. “In many situations, a small portable fire extinguisher could help prevent a minor incident from escalating into a serious tragedy.” Ong suggested amendments to the Road Transport Act 1987 or the introduction of new regulations by the Road Transport Department to make such a requirement enforceable. He said making fire extinguishers compulsory in passenger vehicles would enhance road safety and strengthen emergency response. “The cost of a portable fire extinguisher is relatively modest and its potential to save lives and protect property is substantial,” he noted. According to the Fire and Rescue Department, 3,592 emergency calls involving vehicle fires were recorded in 2023, resulting in 52 deaths and 148 injuries. Separately, only four electric vehicle (EV) fire incidents were reported in 2024, three of which were due to crashes while one occurred during charging. However, EV fires pose different challenges compared with conventional vehicles as battery thermal runaway makes them harder to extinguish and may result in longer burning times and toxic fumes. Ong said adopting preventive measures would demonstrate the government’s commitment to protecting motorists and passengers. “The government should study the implementation of this policy in South Korea and consider introducing similar legislation in Malaysia for the safety and benefit of all road users.” – By T.C. KHOR Man found drowned in river IPOH: A Bangladeshi man was found drowned after falling into a river near Kledang Timur 4 in Taman Bandar Baru Menglembu here yesterday. Perak Fire and Rescue Department assistant operations director Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the 29-year-old’s body was recovered after the department received an emergency call from the public at 8.35am. He said 10 personnel and two fire engines from the Pasir Puteh Fire and Rescue station were deployed to the scene. “Upon arrival, police informed us that the victim is believed to have been riding a bicycle before falling into the river.” He added that the man was confirmed dead by a Health Ministry medical officer at the scene, and the body was handed over to police for further action. – Bernama

o Assessment to include setting buffer zones between stalls, reassessing proximity to residential areas and permanent structures

residential areas. Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the rising number of such incidents points to a serious safety concern that cannot be ignored. “The fact that such a large number of cases have occurred indicates that this is a matter that must be taken seriously.” Lee stressed that public safety must remain the primary concern, particularly for those living or working near such stalls. “It is a very high risk and it can lead to injury or even fatal accidents.” He called for a review of existing regulations and stricter enforcement. “If there have been so many cases, it means it is a question of implementation, a question of poor enforcement,” he said, adding that authorities must carry out regular checks to ensure compliance with safety rules. He said sellers of higher-risk firecrackers are required to obtain permits from police, depending on the type of products involved. “Those selling firecrackers must take personal responsibility in ensuring the safety of their customers and the public by complying with the rules and regulations imposed by authorities. “Law enforcers must also go and check to make sure these rules or regulations are complied with.” Lee suggested that basic safety measures be made mandatory at stalls, along with regular inspections to ensure compliance. However, he added that firecrackers should not be banned outright as they remain part of festive traditions. “It is something that we must not ban, but safety must always be safeguarded.”

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

in a responsible manner that prioritises the safety of the surrounding community. “Safety and celebration must go hand in hand. By refining these guidelines, we are working to enhance public safety so that every Malaysian can enjoy a bright and festive holiday season.” Fires involving premises selling firecrackers and fireworks have surged, with 113 incidents recorded nationwide in 2025, compared with 19 the year before, a 494% increase. Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Exco Jason H’ng said the stall involved had been operating with a valid permit issued by the Seberang Perai City Council from Feb 19 to today. He said the permit was revoked immediately after the explosion, and monitoring of other fireworks stalls in the area has been stepped up. “The cause of the incident has been left to the Fire and Rescue Department (to ascertain) and we will wait for their official report.” H’ng, who is also Jawi state assemblyman, said local authorities are reviewing licensing procedures to prevent similar incidents. “Measures being considered include requiring fire extinguishers and public liability insurance,” he said, adding that studies will be conducted before any decisions are made. He also said stall locations would be reviewed to ensure they are not set up near

PETALING JAYA: A fire that destroyed a fireworks stall in Nibong Tebal, Penang has prompted the government to order a nationwide review of safety procedures governing temporary fireworks outlets. Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry has directed the Fire and Rescue Department and the Local Government Department to reassess existing SOPs following the incident. The blaze, which broke out at 12.15am on Sunday at a stall in Taman Pekaka, destroyed the premises, gutted a motorcycle and damaged parts of a nearby house, including its air conditioning units. A widely shared video of the incident showed workers scrambling to pull down shop shutters as firecrackers and fireworks misfired during the blaze. Nga said the review would include setting buffer zones between stalls and reassessing their proximity to residential areas and permanent structures. He also said the ministry would consider making it mandatory for licensed stalls to be equipped with functional fire extinguishers to enable immediate response in emergencies. “Our objective is to ensure vendors operate

Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported while investigations into the cause of the fires and the extent of the losses are ongoing. – BERNAMAPIC

Firefighters battle three blazes, no casualties reported PETALING JAYA: Firefighters were stretched across Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night as blazes tore through a bookshop, a hillside forest and a three-storey furniture outlet, although no casualties were reported. In Seremban, the Fire and Rescue Department was despatched at 9pm after a fire broke out at a two-storey bookshop in Jalan Dato Sheikh Ahmad. Negeri Sembilan department senior continued into the night. Firefighters were battling a separate incident in Negeri Sembilan involving a forest fire at the hillside area of Taman Bukti in Ampangan. Negeri Sembilan department liaison officer Muhammad Syazwan Tajuddin said seven personnel from the Senawang Fire and Rescue station were deployed after a report was received at 9pm.

furniture shop in Bukit Bintang was destroyed in a fire that broke out later the same night. The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department said it received an emergency call at 10.58pm and mobilised firefighters from the Pudu station, with assistance from the Hang Tuah and Tun Razak stations. The fire affected the ground and second floors of the building, which housed furniture and perfume businesses, with damage estimated at about 70%. Authorities confirmed that no casualties were reported, while investigations into the cause of the fires and the extent of the losses are ongoing. – Bernama

He said the extent of the affected area could not be immediately determined due to darkness, but confirmed that the situation remained under control despite the forest being located near a residential area. Meanwhile, in Kuala Lumpur, a three-storey

operations commander Mohd Hanafi Wahid said teams from the Seremban Fire and Rescue station were actively working to extinguish the blaze. A Bernama survey found that flames were still raging at the premises as firefighting operations