Brunei Parents Want Safer Firecrackers
By Sobrina Rosli

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei parents have lauded the police's commitment to curb illegal and dangerous firecrackers in the hope that this would be done before any undesirable incident takes place.

Those interviewed by The Brunei Times said that they want to be assured that firecrackers sold in public are safe for children. Although most parents admit that playing with such explosives may prove dangerous, most disagree that these should be entirely banned.

An army retiree said that playing firecrackers helps to enliven the spirit of Ramadan and Hari Raya for children. "It's almost a tradition for Malays [in Brunei] to play firecrackers during these two months. What fun would it be for the kids if there were no mercun and bunga api?" said the father of three whose children are aged between two and three months.

Another father, Ismail Taha, shares his views. But Mr Ismail also takes it upon himself to personally supervise his young son when he is playing with bunga api.

"My son loves to play with firecrackers during the festive season. So I make sure that I supervise when he does that," said Mr Ismail.

. He has also urged officials to ensure that firecrackers that are sold in Brunei are safe since parents may not know if they are legal.

Noi H E believed that the authorities must keep a vigilant eye on border activities because most illegal firecrackers are rampantly being sold in neighbouring countries.

Concerned citizen Chris Lim urged those selling, and playing, with firecrackers to keep in mind its risks.

"You are not the only person at risk; the people in your vicinity are also endangered," said Mr Chris. Meanwhile, a general practitioner from Borneo Clinic has advised parents not to apply any cream or ointment to burns caused by firecrackers.

"It is best to get medical attention from experts. You can treat the affected area by running it under cold and clean water. Applying other substances may only worsen the wound," said the doctor.

Activists who are against the use of firecrackers have increasingly voiced their protest worlwide. They argue that these contain fine toxic dust that enter lungs and cause illnesses.

Hazardous smoke from the fireworks can cause several health problems such as heart disturbances, asthma, allergies and respiratory illnesses like bronchitis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and pneumonia. This is because the fumes contain dangerous toxic metals.  -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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