POLICE in Johor are actively pursuing vendors suspected of selling illegal fireworks following an incident in Taman Damai Jaya, Bukit Siput, Segamat, in which a 32-year-old man lost his left leg after a firework exploded, Chief of Police Datuk Ab Rahaman Arsad confirmed.
“Based on preliminary investigations, the firework was believed to have been purchased, ignited, and possessed illegally at the time of the incident. We are therefore identifying the sellers to assist in our inquiry,” he said when commenting on the case.
The explosion occurred around 12.30am on Tuesday as the victim was reportedly playing with a ‘shoot cake 4(D) 16 shot (premium)’ firework in front of his home to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Video circulating on social media shows the firework, initially placed upright, misfiring after a few explosions and toppling in the victim’s direction.
Ab Rahaman reminded traders to adhere strictly to legal provisions concerning the import, sale, storage, and use of fireworks.
He noted that under the 2025 Prohibition of Explosive Substances Notification, only 45 types of fireworks are approved for possession and importation, and any licensed seller found distributing unlisted items may have their licence revoked.
The victim remains under treatment at a private hospital in Melaka, where his condition is reported as stable.
The case is being investigated under Sections 6 and 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.
The police chief made the remarks following a ceremony at the Johor Contingent Police Headquarters, where Deputy Commissioner Hoo Chuan Huat was appointed as Deputy Chief of Police Johor, and Senior Assistant Commissioner Mohd Zairi Badderul@Badrol was named the new Head of the Johor Criminal Investigation Department. - February 20, 2026
