JBPM, Local Govt Dept Ordered To Review SOPs For Fireworks Stalls

KUALA LUMPUR, March 23 (Bernama) -- The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) and the Local Government Department (LGD) have been directed to review the standard operating procedures (SOPs) for temporary fireworks sales stalls nationwide.

Housing and Local Government (KPKT) Minister Nga Kor Ming said the move is to ensure festive seasons are celebrated without untoward incidents and that traders prioritise the safety of the local community.

“The guidelines will focus on establishing appropriate safety distances between stalls, as well as re-evaluating stall locations to ensure they are not too close to permanent structures and residential areas,” he said in a post on his official Facebook page tonight.

Nga said the ministry would also examine a requirement that every licensed stall be equipped with functioning fire extinguishers to enable immediate emergency action in the event of a fire.

“Safety and festivities must go hand in hand. By refining these guidelines, we are committed to strengthening public safety so that every Malaysian can enjoy a vibrant festive atmosphere safely,” he added.

The directive follows two recent fire incidents involving temporary fireworks sales stalls. Early Sunday morning, a stall selling various firecrackers in Taman Pekaka, George Town, was destroyed, damaging a motorcycle and three air-conditioning units of a nearby house.

A similar incident occurred tonight at Majidee Corner 1C, Jalan Bunga Ros, Johor Bahru, when a fire at a firecracker sales stall destroyed a Proton Gen-2 car and a food truck.

-- BERNAMA