SIBU: The police have issued a pre-Chap Goh Mei warning: Do not let off firecrackers or fireworks on Feb 15.
The warning came from Sibu Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division chief DSP Ariffin Bahar after he led an SOP compliance inspection on Pasar Sentral Sibu, on Thursday (Feb 10).
He said police would conduct operations against those letting off firecrackers as these were incendiary items that posed a risk to lives and property.
Those who ignored the warning could be sentenced under the Explosives Act 1958 and if convicted, could be imprisoned up to seven years and fined RM10,000.
“My team will ensure there is no extreme activity of letting off fireworks. Perhaps we can consider if they play in front of the house with family members for a short time and do not endanger other people’s lives and property.
“But if they continue playing for a long period and endanger lives, we will take action,” he said.
Ariffin said his team would conduct an operation beginning midnight of Feb 14 to 15.
On lion dance performances during Chap Goh Mei, Ariffin said the organisers should inform the Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) in advance by filling in a form.
This was based on the SOP issued by the Unit for Other Religions (UNIFOR) on Jan 24.
“The lion dance performance can be done from 6am to 10pm and it must be done outside the premises.
“Each group should comprise a maximum of 12 members and all of them should be fully vaccinated,” he said.
