THE Seberang Perai Municipal Council (MBSP) has revoked the permit of a fireworks stall involved in a fire and explosion incident in Taman Pekaka, with authorities now stepping up inspections and enforcing stricter safety conditions to prevent similar occurrences.
Mayor Datuk Baderul Amin Abdul Hamid said the council acted swiftly following the incident by cancelling the stall’s licence and carrying out checks on other fireworks vendors operating in the vicinity.
“We have taken this case very seriously and our priority is to ensure public safety through stricter monitoring and enforcement,” New Straits Times reported him saying.
The incident occurred around midnight, when a fireworks stall in Taman Pekaka was destroyed in an early-morning blaze. No fatalities were reported, although property damage was recorded.
A Yamaha Y15 motorcycle sustained significant damage, estimated at around 90 per cent, while the fire also spread to three outdoor air-conditioning units at a nearby residence.
According to Baderul, the stall, located opposite a local eatery, had been issued a valid permit covering the period from Feb 19 until the following day. However, the council has now moved to reassess its regulatory framework in light of the incident.
He added that MBSP will tighten permit conditions, including making it mandatory for all such stalls to be equipped with fire extinguishers, possess valid insurance coverage and comply with additional safety requirements as determined from time to time.
In the aftermath of the incident, concerns were also raised by political youth groups calling for clarification from authorities on whether the necessary permits had been properly issued and whether enforcement action had been taken where required.
The council’s response signals a broader push to enhance compliance and strengthen safeguards around the sale and handling of fireworks, particularly in densely populated residential areas where the risk of fire hazards remains a concern. - March 23, 2026
