Police have launched a formal investigation into a fire involving a firecracker and fireworks stall that occurred in Taman Pekaka, Nibong Tebal, yesterday.
Penang Police Chief Azizee Ismail confirmed that five police reports have been lodged regarding the incident so far. He stated that the case is being handled under Section 286 of the Penal Code, which pertains to negligence involving explosive materials.
The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of Sunday, completely destroyed the temporary stall. The fire also caused 90 per cent damage to a Yamaha Y15 motorcycle and damaged three air-conditioning units situated outside a nearby house.
Public alarm and viral footage
The State Fire and Rescue Department confirmed that there were no injuries or fatalities reported from the scene. However, the incident caused significant alarm among the public.
A video of the fire, which quickly went viral on social media, showed customers at a nearby restaurant fleeing the premises to avoid sparks and stray firecrackers that were flying into the building.
In the wake of the incident, Seberang Perai Mayor Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid announced that the City Council (MBSP) has immediately revoked the permit of the affected stall. The council is currently monitoring other similar vendors operating in the area.
Tighter regulations for vendors
The Mayor noted that the stall had been operating with a valid permit issued by MBSP for the period between February 19 and March 24, 2026. While the permit was legitimate, the cause of the fire is still being determined.
A full report is expected once the Fire and Rescue Department completes its technical investigation. To prevent a recurrence, MBSP plans to significantly tighten the conditions for issuing such permits in the future.
Future requirements will include the mandatory presence of fire extinguishers at every stall and proof of valid insurance coverage. The council may also introduce additional safety measures where necessary to protect the community.
Baderul Amin emphasized that the council takes the incident very seriously and remains committed to ensuring public safety through more stringent monitoring and enforcement protocols.
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