Having A Cracking Good Time - Legally
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - As firecrackers and fireworks are part of the tradition of celebrating the Chinese New Year, the police yesterday highlighted the types of firecrackers and fireworks that can be used and sold to the public.

They also said the fireworks and firecrackers should only be lit at appropriate times, avoiding such periods as evening prayer time.

Safety measures were also highlighted by the police.

ASP Irham bin Hj Muhd Arshad, Staff Officer 2 of the Operations of the Royal Brunei Police Force, revealed the types of fireworks which were approved but could not be sold by a company or vendor. They should only be used during the festivities, supplied by the "organising committee" and lit only by experts.

Police revealed 231 fireworks and seven firecrackers that can be sold to the public. The fireworks include "Butterfly", "Morning Glory", "Saturn Missiles Battery", "Rocket Parachute", "Magic Shots", "Midgets - Artillery Shell" and "jinssepubu". Meanwhile, the firecrackers include "Shun Lee Hung" and "500's to 5000's jubilation firecrackers". Seven three-to 12-inch display shells types were approved but cannot be sold by any company or vendor.

Approval was given after tests were conducted on the fireworks and firecrackers to ensure that they are not dangerous, though they produce a loud noise.

The police advised the people not to play with fireworks during evening prayer time or at midnight, which could cause a disturbance and prompt the police to act against any offenders.

The approval to play such fireworks and firecrackers is only meant for festivities like Chinese New Year.

As for safety measures, the police reminded parents to monitor their children who are playing with fireworks. They should also point the fireworks away from the houses.

As visits will take place during open houses, the police reminded houseowners to take steps to safeguard their residences such as locking up when they are out and keeping their homes well-lit at night.

The police said they would monitor the sale of fireworks at shops.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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