Cabinet agrees to legalise fireworks, firecrackers

PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet yesterday agreed to legalise fireworks and firecrackers in the country in a move to halt the smuggling of these items, said Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Nga said wholesalers and importers who have been importing fireworks and firecrackers illegally will now have to apply for licenses and pay import duties, in addition to following guidelines and regulations.

"The ones who have racked in money from the sales of fireworks and firecrackers are underground syndicates. The smugglers bring them in and there are no safety standards and we see accidents.