A recent investigation into the fire that razed a roadside firework stall in Wakaf Che Yeh on Tuesday has pointed towards a short circuit as the primary trigger. The electrical failure reportedly originated from the wiring connections of decorative fairy lights installed at the sales tent. Kota Bharu District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azmir Damiri confirmed that the incident took place around 10:00 am at a site situated directly in front of an eatery.
Emergency services were alerted to the situation at 10:13 am following reports from members of the public who witnessed the blaze. Forensic teams from the Fire and Rescue Department later determined that the sparks were caused by an electrical link extending from a nearby restaurant to the decorative lighting displays at the stall. This technical fault led to the rapid ignition of the pyrotechnic stock stored within the temporary structures.
The intensity of the flames resulted in the total destruction of two sales tents, while several neighbouring business premises sustained minor damage from heat radiation and thick smoke. Although the subsequent explosions of fireworks caused significant alarm among motorists and passers-by in the busy area, authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities were recorded during the morning mishap.
The firework business was being managed by a 44-year-old local woman who also owns the adjacent restaurant and holds a valid permit for selling such items at that specific location. Despite possessing legal documentation for the trade, the entrepreneur and another woman, who served as the stall attendant, were taken into custody at approximately 8:30 pm on the same day to assist with ongoing police enquiries.
Both individuals are currently being detained for further questioning under Section 285 of the Penal Code, which addresses negligence in relation to combustible or inflammable substances. Assistant Commissioner Mohd Azmir Damiri stated that the police are continuing their detailed probe into the circumstances of the event to ensure all safety protocols were adhered to.
