QuickCheck: Has the Pontian Municipal Council issued permits to sell fireworks at Ramadan bazaars?

A RECENT post has set social media “ablaze” with discussion over traders selling fireworks at the Ayer Baloi Ramadan Bazaar in Pontian, Johor.

These traders claim that they were issued permits to sell their wares which has led to some frustration among food stall vendors.

Is it true that the Pontian Municipal Council (MPPn) gave out permits to sell fireworks at the bazaar?

Verdict:

FALSE

MPPn has clarified that it has never issued permits or licences for the sale of fireworks at any Ramadan Bazaar under its jurisdiction.

The issue surfaced following social media claims regarding firework vendors at the Ayer Baloi Ramadan Bazaar.

MPPn stated that permits for selling fireworks during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations are issued by the police.

“However, the police will defer to MPPn’s advice regarding the suitability of locations for firework sales,” they explained.

Out of 56 applications for fireworks sales approval, only 27 were supported by MPPn.

“The application to sell fireworks at the Ayer Baloi Bazaar, which went viral, was among the 29 not supported by MPPn due to unsuitable location,” they added in a statement uploaded to MPPn’s Facebook page.

Prior to this, a food vendor expressed dissatisfaction on social media upon discovering fireworks being sold at the Ayer Baloi Ramadan Bazaar, claiming that the site should be reserved for food stalls for breaking fast meals.

Reference: