ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Bashah Md Hanipah today urged the authorities to curb fireworks being brought into the state as they pose danger to the public.
In wake of the Sg Petani Thaipusam fireworks mishap yesterday, Bashah also reminded people in the state to refrain from playing with fireworks.
Bashah said the incident in Sungai Petani which left more than 30 people injured, should serve as a stern reminder to the public on the dangers of fireworks.
"I am urging the police to take stern action and to probe where the fireworks used in the incident was sourced from to prevent a recurrance.
"I wish to remind the public of the danger of toying with fireworks. We should learn from past incidents where people lose their fingers in fireworks mishaps," he told reporters after checking out 'Jualan Sentuhan Rakyat Programme (PJSR) at Taman Wira, Mergong, here today.
The Sungai Petani fireworks mishap occurred when a group of devotees were ushering a chariot, travelling from the Sri Subramaniam Swami Temple towards Jalan Pasar about 8.30pm yesterday.
The fireworks base exploded shortly after it was lit up, causing panic and chaos in the crowd.
More than 26 devotees, including a 5-year-old child, were injured in the blast, with four of the victims still being warded at the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital. The others injured received outpatient treatment.
Also hurt was a 43-year-old policeman who was on duty at the scene.
Meanwhile, Bashah said the state government would wait for a full report from the police on the incident before giving suitable aid to the victims.