By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
Local Government Development Minister, Nga Kor Ming said the sale of firecrackers and fireworks will be legalised but subject to regulations and guidelines that will be issued later.
According to him, the guidelines will be determined by the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) while the issue of performing duties will be determined by the Ministry of Finance.
“The matter was agreed upon in the Cabinet meeting, considering that it could be another source of income for the country.
“The Cabinet has approved the burning of mercury and fireworks will be legalised.
“But it is subject to import licence applications, and duties according to regulations and guidelines.
“We know that burning firecrackers is a practice for all people, regardless of Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Aidilfitri or Christmas,” he said through a news report on social media yesterday.
Nga said, currently, the material in question is being sold by ‘underground’ syndicates, causing safety aspects to be ignored.
He said, once legalised later, the government will collect hundreds of millions in revenue from licence holders.
In addition, he said, there will be regulation, enforcement and laws that are ensured.
“I hope this new policy will further enliven the Aidilfitri celebration in April.
“Nowadays (dealers) sell illegally. After getting a licence they can sell in shopping centres,” he explained.
