Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said as of March 23, the largest seizure worth RM48,522,220 was recorded in five cases at duty-free zones and areas under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023.
“This was followed by 32 cases by the General Operations Force (RM31,748,936), 20 cases by the marine police force (RM24,665,846), and three cases by the Federal Reserve Unit (RM1,146,879),” he said.
The smuggled fireworks included Happy Boom Cake, Happy Boom Cracker 8-inch, Happy Boom Assorted Celebration Red Fire Cracker, Happy Boom Assorted Celebration Red Fire Cracker Repeater, and Happy Boom Shoot Cake, he said.
He said demand for these fireworks is particularly high during festive seasons due to the difficulty of obtaining them in the local market.
Razarudin said syndicates employ numerous tactics to evade detection by authorities, such as using illegal border crossings between Thailand and Malaysia, particularly in Padang Besar and Bukit Kayu Hitam, and concealing the fireworks among other goods in cargo trucks and express buses.
He said some syndicates also smuggle the contraband in small boats or cargo ships, concealing them in shipping containers alongside imported goods.
“Information suggests that fireworks are brought in by sea using container ships and arrive at official ports in Sarawak. These containers come with legitimate customs documents listing approved fireworks for sale, but they also contain prohibited ones,” he said.
He said fireworks are also smuggled through ports and transported by truck to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in large quantities to meet demand.
He said some licensed sellers, who obtain permits from district police chiefs for storage and sale, also sell banned fireworks alongside the legal types.
Syndicates also use intermediaries, including foreign nationals and frequent travellers, as “mules” to smuggle small quantities at frequent intervals to minimise detection, collecting them at designated locations for sale.
Razarudin said syndicates are also leveraging social media, e-commerce platforms, and instant messaging apps to sell fireworks via online transactions with postal or in-person deliveries.
He said these tactics indicate a well-organised smuggling network, requiring strict border surveillance, cyber intelligence, and community cooperation.
Meanwhile, he said two firework-related injuries have been reported so far, involving children aged seven and 13 in Kedah and Kelantan.
Razarudin urged the public to opt for safer alternatives such as light shows, traditional games, or family gatherings. He said playing with fireworks not only poses serious risks but is also illegal under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957.
“Parents play a crucial role in supervising their children and educating them about the danger of fireworks,” he said, adding that continuous awareness campaigns should be conducted in schools, mosques, and on social media.