The Children’s Commissioners of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) have issued an urgent plea to authorities to intensify enforcement against the illegal sale and use of firecrackers. This appeal follows a worrying surge in the number of children sustaining life-altering injuries while handling these explosives. In an official statement released today, the commissioners pressured the police and relevant agencies to take immediate, decisive action to halt the distribution of unapproved and dangerous pyrotechnics.
Central to their recommendations is a comprehensive review of the Explosives Act 1957. The commissioners are advocating for tighter controls and significantly heavier penalties for those involved in the smuggling, distribution, or sale of illegal firecrackers. While the current Act already allows for severe punishments—including up to seven years in prison, a RM10,000 fine, or both—the commissioners argued that “visibly weak enforcement” has stripped the law of its intended deterrent effect.
The urgency of this call to action was underscored by recent reports of a four-year-old boy who suffered the loss of several fingers and other serious injuries due to a firecracker explosion. Statistics indicate that Malaysia sees more than 200 firecracker-related injuries annually. These incidents often result in permanent disability, such as the loss of limbs, and while not all victims are minors, the commissioners emphasised that the risks to children remain disproportionately high.
Beyond legal measures, the commissioners stressed that the safety of the nation’s youth is a shared responsibility. They urged parents to play a more proactive role in educating their children about the severe dangers of illegal pyrotechnics, reminding them that a moment of excitement is not worth a lifetime of physical trauma or death. They also suggested that community leaders and religious figures should be involved in this effort.
To further reinforce these safety messages, the commissioners proposed that religious leaders, including imams, should incorporate these warnings into their sermons and community outreach programmes. By combining stricter legislative enforcement with grassroots education and religious guidance, the commissioners hope to prevent further tragedies and ensure a safer environment for Malaysian children during festive seasons.
