GEORGE TOWN: With Deepavali nearing, the crackdown on the smuggling and sale of fireworks and firecrackers should be intensified, says the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP).

“Besides being a nuisance, these items have been known to cause damage to life and property,” said CAP president S.M. Mohamed Idris.

“Children, in particular, are the most vulnerable.

“Moreover, with the availability of such explosives, people could extract the chemical mixture from firecrackers to make their own fireworks.

“Firm action should be taken against those caught playing with firecrackers and fireworks.

“A hefty fine and jail term should be imposed on retailers,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Mohamed Idris said parents whose children were caught with firecrackers and fireworks must be held responsible for their children’s acts.

“We have been calling on the authorities to impose heavier penalties on offenders, including jail sentences, for more than two decades.

“We believe that if enforcement is beefed up, the smuggling of contraband can be curbed.

“In a survey over the last few days, we found that firecrackers and fireworks are openly sold and sales are being promoted on social media,” he said.

Mohamed Idris said smuggling, distribution and the sale of firecrackers and fireworks could only be stopped through strict enforcement and cooperation from the public to stop buying them.

“Under Section 4(2) of the Explosives Act 1957, anyone found to be manufacturing, possessing or importing firecrackers and fireworks can be jailed a maximum of five years or fined RM10,000, or both.

“However, they are not taking it seriously, hence the laws should be amended to include a mandatory jail sentence, confiscation of property and assets and seizure of the vehicle found with the contraband,” he said.