The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has urged the police and the Customs and Excise Department to intensify their crackdown on the smuggling and sale of fireworks and firecrackers nationwide.

Its president, SM Mohamed Idris, said strict enforcement and cooperation from the public can curb the smuggling, distribution and the sale of firecrackers and firework.      

“The violation of the existing laws to curb the blatant smuggling, distribution and sale of the smuggled goods is obviously not taken seriously by offenders.

“Hence, the laws should be amended to include a mandatory jail sentence for smugglers besides confiscation of their property and assets,” he said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said firm action should also taken against people caught buying and playing with firecrackers and fireworks, including children as their parents must be made responsible for their children’s acts.

- Bernama