KULIM – A fireworks display at Paya Besar turned chaotic at around 12.45am on Monday, leaving 22 people injured, including one who suffered a serious head injury.
Kulim District Police Chief, Superintendent Zulkifli Azizan, confirmed that the incident occurred when crowds had gathered to watch the fireworks show. One victim sustained a 5-centimeter wound on his forehead due to a firecracker explosion, while the remaining 21 victims suffered minor injuries, mostly from sulfur fragments hitting their bodies and hands.
“Initial information about the incident was received while our officers were conducting a crime prevention patrol from 9pm to 2am. Officers reported traffic congestion caused by the crowd, and additional assistance was requested to manage the situation,” Supt. Zulkifli said in a statement.
Police personnel, assisted by Mobile Patrol Vehicles (MPV) and Urban Response Bikes (URB), arrived at the scene to control traffic. They discovered the injured victims and coordinated immediate medical help. Two ambulances transported the seriously injured victim to Kulim Hospital while providing first aid to others on-site.
Traffic congestion eased once the crowd dispersed after the ambulance arrived. Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution during fireworks displays to avoid similar accidents in the future.
The case is currently under investigation by police under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1958.
Authorities continue to remind organisers and spectators that fireworks should only be handled by trained personnel, as misuse can result in serious injuries and legal consequences.
