A tragic Deepavali celebration in Kedah results in multiple injuries. Authorities remind the public that modifying fireworks is a criminal offense under the Explosives Act.
KULIM - Emergency services were rushed to a residential area in Kulim last night after a loud explosion rocked the neighborhood. Initial reports confirm that 22 individuals, mostly bystanders, suffered injuries ranging from burns to hearing damage.
Forensic breakdown suggests the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device known locally as "Mercun Kelapa", where commercial firepowder is packed tightly into a coconut shell or PVC pipe to amplify the blast radius.
A Warning Against Modification
Local police chief Asst Comm Mohd Redzuan cautioned that homemade modifications turn safe recreational fireworks into lethal shrapnel bombs. "We have zero tolerance for this. The individuals involved will be investigated under Section 8 of the Explosives Act 1957," he said.
Hospitals in the area are currently treating the victims, three of whom remain in critical condition.