The Royal Malaysia Police have apprehended three local individuals to assist in the investigation of a fire involving a firework sales stall that occurred in Taman Pekaka at midnight last Sunday. Seberang Perai Selatan District Police Chief Superintendent Jay January Siowou confirmed that the arrests involved two men and one woman. This enforcement action follows a destructive incident that caused significant alarm among residents during the peak of the festive season preparations.
The trio has been remanded for a period of three days, starting from 23 March until 25 March, to facilitate a comprehensive probe into the origins of the blaze. Authorities are currently investigating the matter under Section 286 of the Penal Code, which pertains to negligent conduct involving explosive substances. This legal framework addresses the failure to take sufficient precautions with combustible materials that could potentially endanger human life or cause injury.
Official reports indicate that the police received an emergency notification regarding the explosion at approximately 12:05 am. The resulting fire led to substantial property damage in the immediate vicinity, including the destruction of a motorcycle and two motorcars parked nearby. Furthermore, the intensity of the blast affected adjacent premises, with a local restaurant and a residential home reporting varying degrees of structural impact from the heat and debris.
Despite the significant property losses, Superintendent Jay January Siowou noted that no loss of life or physical injuries were reported following the midnight incident. Preliminary investigations by the police have verified that the firework stall was operating with a valid and legal permit at the time of the explosion. The 10-by-10-foot stall was almost entirely decimated by the flames, with fire department estimates placing the extent of the destruction at approximately 95 per cent.
The exact cause of the fire, which triggered the fireworks to ignite and spread to the surrounding area, remains under active investigation by forensic teams. In light of this event, the police have issued a public advisory urging all citizens to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to safety protocols when handling flammable materials. Authorities emphasised that such precautions are vital to preventing similar hazardous occurrences and ensuring public safety remains a priority throughout the celebratory period.
