The ministry said preliminary investigations found the explosion was caused by the ignition of suspected pyrotechnic materials that are not permitted for the public.

“The ministry stresses that the sale, possession and use of unapproved fireworks or firecrackers are prohibited under the Explosives Act 1957,” it said in a statement.

The ministry said the case is being investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957 and Section 326 of the Penal Code.

“Investigations are also focusing on possible negligence, illegal possession and the handling of explosives without authorisation,” it said.

The ministry added that the two suspects detained in connection with the incident are believed to have ignited the explosives without a valid permit.

“The ministry, together with the police, will continue to monitor the situation throughout the festive season and urges all parties to comply with existing laws and regulations.”

Yesterday, Kulim police chief Zulkifli Azizan said two men, aged 34 and 23, were arrested over an incident which took place over the weekend.

He said the two, who are longtime friends, had been hanging out with several others at an open area beside the main road in Paya Besar when the incident happened.

He said the first suspect, who was drunk at the time, bought a “kelapa”-type fireworks worth RM200 from a nearby stall.

The man then placed the fireworks into a cylinder that had already been set up by the roadside. However, instead of launching into the air, it exploded on the ground.

Zulkifli said both suspects tested negative for drugs but each had a criminal record.

Victims of the fireworks explosion were sent to hospital by ambulance.