The Consumers Association of Penang calls on the government to lift the ban on firecrackers as it is a mockery of the law if enforcement is not carried out.

Firecrackers have been banned since 1978; however strings of firecrackers were let loose all over Penang at midnight when the Chinese celebrated their new year.

Fireworks and firecrackers have caused inhumane deaths and destruction and unless enforcement is tightened, the lessons of these tragedies have not been learnt.

The latest tragedy happened in Kota Kinabalu, when a 26 year old man was killed in a horrifying fireworks mishap.

Family members watched in horror when the victim dropped to the ground lifeless after malfunctioning fireworks that did not go off suddenly exploded in his face as he went to check on it.

The proliferation in the market of these explosives reflects the weakness of the import checks of the Customs Department.

If the Customs have been diligent in their work these dangerous merchandise would not be in the market.

At the moment only firecrackers are banned under the Explosives Act, However this rule is insufficient.

Fireworks also contained explosives and as such pose a threat to the safety of its users.

Furthermore a total ban on both firecrackers and fireworks will make enforcement an easier task as there is no ambiguity.

At present, enforcement officers will find it difficult to do their job if firecrackers are masked and hidden in a pile of fireworks.

Banning fireworks and firecrackers of any nature will not only make enforcement simpler, but members of the public will also find it easier to identify offences and report the culprits.

Over the years CAP had made numerous calls to enforce the ban on firecrackers and fireworks however our calls have fallen on deaf ears.

Both the police and the Custom department have dismally and miserably failed to check what was to become a mockery of the law.

CAP regrets that the authorities, who have been charged with duties of enforcing the law, have shown total apathy and laxity over violators, who blatantly break the law.

Children are being maimed and killed each year. If we care about them, the only option available to us is to ban all fireworks and firecrackers without exception. Only then will our children be safe from this annual tragedy.

It is understandable that merry makers should not be denied gaiety during the festive season but the price is too high to pay.

As the authorities are incapable of enforcing the law it is better that the ban be lifted rather then the public be given a false sense of security.

It is long enough that the Explosive Act 1978 has been made a mockery.

SM Mohamed Idris is president Consumers Association of Penang.