Tragedy Beckons Does Anyone Care

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From Johnson Fernandez
I have a very high level of understanding, given that the Hokkien community’s celebration of Chinese New Year fell on Feb 6.
But the fireworks set off this time were ridiculous. They went off where I live at Bandar Menjalara on the eve, at about 11pm, but had not ceased even at 2am.
My wife, who woke up at 5am to prepare and send the grandkids to school, said even then there were (fireworks set off), but she was unsure if they were set off in our taman.
Where is the consideration, celebrants? Today and tomorrow are working and school days for the multitude of residents. The incessant fireworks disrupt our daily lives and show a lack of respect for those who do not partake in the celebrations.
There is another new and more significant concern.
There is a new and more dangerous variety of fireworks this year. In fact, they sounded more like explosives rather than fireworks, like sticks of dynamite. I could feel the ground vibrate and windows rattling every time they were lit.
Have these new, more powerful fireworks caused structural damage that could come back to haunt us in the near future? The ground vibrations and window rattling are not just a nuisance but a potential threat to our safety and the integrity of our homes.
Consider this: as recently as on Feb 9 last year, in conjunction with Chinese New Year, the police issued guidelines.
Since 2018, only 45 types of fireworks from two specific brands – Pop-Pop and HappyBoom – have been legal for sale to the public, and of these, 36 are legal for purchase from small businesses and bazaars. They are primarily spinners, fountains, sparklers, and Roman candles.
Fireworks can only be sold 15 days before and after a festive season, such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Aidiladha, Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai and Kaamatan.
It is an offence to play with loud fireworks between 12am and 6am.
So, that brings us to the critical question: Where is the enforcement? Who is responsible? The customs department, the police, or the local councils? It’s time for all of them to step up and take action to ensure our safety and peace of mind.
What does it take to trigger action? A tragedy of monumental proportions? Will only that jolt the authorities to spring into action?
Please, let’s not wait for one to happen. - FMT
Johnson Fernandez is a former mainstream media editor, journalist, columnist and an FMT reader.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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