Firecrackers Spark Heated Debate Amid Festivities
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Fireworks and firecrackers, which locals refer to as "badil" (cannon), are a symbolic tradition of the festive season. The badil's explosive sounds are usually heard in the fasting month of Ramadhan and Hari Maya.

Fireworks and firecrackers come in all sorts of novel shapes, colours and designs which are aimed at attracting shoppers despite concerns that these items can cause injury and damage.

Public opinion is divided on firecrackers and fireworks, which are sold widely at this time of year. Among the items deemed dangerous are Small Festival Balls, Display Shell, Handle Elesgroket, Thunder Clap, Ceremony Shells, Ground Cakes and Ground Cakes 40. A ban was imposed to safeguard the public as these firecrackers produce an explosive sound and their debris can cause damage to people and property.

An unhappy consumer, 40-year-old Hj Kassim from Kg Perpindahan Lambak told the Bulletin, "It is already known that these items can inflict injury and cause danger as most of the time they are lit at night. The explosive sound itself can cause disturbance, especially to those who are sleeping or the elderly. These items should not be sold widely. There should be a total ban.

However another consumer, 28-year-old Awg Fadli, had this to say: "I do not agree with anoutright ban. Badil is a symbolic part of Raya. It adds an air of festivity to the occasion. If it is banned, a sense of tradition is lost I would prefer it if there is close supervision of children playing the badil and traders should not blatantly sell fireworks to kids. It is best to sell them to parents or responsible adutis."

There are others who believed in such an apporach. Abd Aziz, aged 25, said, "I'm not against the sale of fireworks and firecrackers. The badil is a traditional activity for kids and adults alike. It is expected every year to hear the explosive sounds of the badil on the eve of Raya."

Others approached by the Bulletin would only say they did not like the items to be sold widely, but declined to comment further.

A vendor selling fireworks, when approached by the Bulletin, declined to comment.

It was also observed that fireworks not only pose a danger to consumers but the environment too. Fireworks produce smoke and dust that contain heavy metals, sulfurcoal compounds and other toxic chemicals. Pollutants from fireworks have raised concerns because of potential health risks associated with hazardous by-products.

For most people, the effects of exposure to low levels of toxins from many sources over long periods are unknown. For persons suffering asthma or multiplechemical sensitivity, the smoke from fireworks could aggravate existing health problems.

Environmental pollution is also a concern because heavy metals and other chemicals from fireworks could contaminate water supplies.

And the fireworks' combustion gases could contribute to problems such as acid rain, which can cause vegetation and even property damage. However, gunpowder smoke and the solid residues are basic, and as such the net effects of fireworks on acid rain is debatable.

What is not undisputed is that most fireworks leave behind a considerable amount of solid debris, including both readily biodegradable components as well as nondegradable plastic items.

Whether the badil should continue to be sold or not is debabtable but the laws governing such items are very clear. Mixing of substances for making explosives is punishable under the Public Peace Act Chapter 48.

It is also against the law to possess any sort of explosives illegally. Being-.in possession of weapons, including cannons and banned firecrackers, is punishable with a fine of up to $1,000.

Under the Minor Offences Act Chapter 30, a person who sets alight firecrackers in public places is liable to a fine of $250. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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