Firecrackers and fireworks are openly displayed at this particular licensed shop.
Happy Boom Glow of Sunset is one of fireworks being offered at the shop.
KUCHING: A shop selling decorative items here has created a buzz among locals for openly selling firecrackers and fireworks now that the Chinese New Year celebration is around the corner.
Though firecrackers and fireworks have long been banned by the government, those available for sale at this shop are in fact legal, and the shop has a valid licence from the police.
A check at the shop yesterday found that the firecrackers and fireworks being sold are those under the ‘Happy Boom’ brand, which is one of two brands permitted for sale in the country.
‘Pop Pop’ is another brand sanctioned under Malaysian law.
There are various types of firecrackers and fireworks sold here, including sparklers, flower camelia, pill crackers, eight-inch firecrackers and more with prices ranging from RM24 to RM250.
The display of firecrackers and fireworks is also accompanied by a licence issued by the police while customers who purchase them are also issued official receipts.
District police chief ACP Ng Ah Lek when contacted yesterday confirmed that the shop has a valid licence to sell the fireworks and firecrackers.
“The licence is issued by the police for the sale of certain types of fireworks and firecrackers as stipulated in the licence,” he said in a WhatsApp message.
He also noted that the permit for the sale of the fireworks and firecrackers are for 15 types.
Meanwhile, Sarawak CID chief SAC Denis Leong said the police would take stern action against any individuals found to possess, store, use or sell banned firecrackers and fireworks.
“We will take action especially if the illegal stuff is found in container-load,” he warned, adding that the offence is punishable under Section 135 of the Customs Act 1967.
Those found to have violated the law will be punished; a fine not less than 10 times and not more than 20 times the value of the goods or jail term up to three years or both for first-time offenders under Section 135(1)(a) of Customs Act 1967 for importing prohibited goods without permit.