KUALA LUMPUR, 25 March 2025 – The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has revealed that it has seized over RM106 million worth of fireworks and firecrackers during nationwide operations in the first quarter of 2025, as part of a major clampdown on the illegal fireworks and it’s import, sale, and distribution of explosive items ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
The scale of the seizure is one of the largest in recent years and highlights the police force’s ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, lawful trade practices, and compliance with licensing regulations.
Cracking Down on the Fireworks Black Market
According to Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, the raids were conducted in multiple states, targeting both urban and rural areas known for unlicensed sales and hidden storage depots.
The confiscated items included a wide range of high-powered firecrackers, banned aerial fireworks, and bulk quantities of unlabelled imported pyrotechnics—many of which posed serious safety hazards due to their non-compliance with Malaysian standards.
“We are not against celebration, but public safety comes first. The illegal fireworks trade is not only unlawful—it is dangerous,” said the IGP during a press conference.
Public Risk and Safety Concerns
Authorities emphasized that illegal fireworks have been linked to numerous past incidents, including burn injuries, house fires, and even fatalities, particularly among children and untrained users. The risk is amplified when unregulated products are stored or handled improperly in residential areas.
PDRM also noted that many of the seized fireworks had been smuggled in concealed shipping containers, with some suspects using e-commerce platforms and social media to advertise their wares.
Coordinated Enforcement and Legal Action
The successful seizures were the result of a joint operation involving the Customs Department, local municipal councils, and the Fire and Rescue Department. Several suspects have been detained and are being investigated under the Explosives Act 1957 and the Customs Act 1967, which carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment and fines.
PDRM warned that more raids will be conducted in the run-up to the festive season, and that enforcement will intensify especially in high-risk zones and commercial hotspots.
Promoting Legal Sales and Responsible Celebration
To complement enforcement, PDRM is also working with licensed vendors who have received proper permits to operate during the Hari Raya period. The police have approved over 5,000 permits nationwide, ensuring that the public has legal and safe avenues to purchase fireworks in accordance with government regulations.
Tan Sri Razarudin urged consumers to only buy from authorized sellers and to report suspicious activity in their communities.
“We call on the public to celebrate responsibly and work with us to keep our neighborhoods safe,” he said.
Securing Festivities for All Malaysians
As Malaysia prepares to celebrate Aidilfitri, the PDRM’s proactive measures reflect a strong commitment to balancing festive joy with public safety. The crackdown on illegal fireworks sends a clear message: celebration must never come at the cost of lives and security.
For continuous updates on public safety, enforcement operations, and festive season advisories, follow ForwardMalaysia.my.
