The History of Fireworks in Malaysia

THE HISTORY OF FIREWORKS IN MALAYSIA From Oil Lamps in the Kampung to the Modern Fireworks Industry 1. When Hari Raya Nights Glowed with Oil Lamps and Sparklers Imagine a Malaysian village in the late 1970s or 1980s. As Aidilfitri approached, relatives working in the city returned to their family homes. Grandparents welcomed children and grandchildren; kitchens were busy with festive food, and oil lamps (pelita) lined the pathways and yards. As evening fell, children gathered outside. Some remembered metal-wire sparklers, others Sunset sparklers or Fire Sputter. For many families, sparklers under adult supervision formed part of the festive atmosphere, alongside laughter and distant firecracker sounds. This is a historical recollection, not a recommendation for children to handle pyrotechnics, which carry burn and fire risks and remain subject to current laws. For older generations, these lights evoke family reunions, homecoming and celebration. Yet Malaysia's fireworks history reaches far beyond those memories. 2. The 1970s and 1980s: Traditional Fireworks Before multi-shot fireworks became familiar, Malaysians knew metal-wire sparklers, Sunset, Fire Sputter, Pop-Pop, strings of firecrackers, DAS firecrackers and rockets known as Thunder Clap and Whistling Moon. The descriptions below are based on industry recollections and reference photos; packaging varied over time. 2.1 Metal-Wire Sparklers — “Bunga Api Kucing” Metal-wire sparklers were sometimes called “cat sparklers”, a nickname associated with the blue King Cat package featuring a cat's face. Their bright sparks remain a familiar festive memory. 2.2 Sunset Sparklers — “Bunga Api Selangor” Sunset sparklers used wooden sticks and distinctive red-and-yellow paper wrapping. Some people nicknamed them “Selangor sparklers” because those colours recalled the state flag. The supplied Glow of Sunset photo shows one product variation, not necessarily the packaging used throughout the 1970s. 2.3 Fire Sputter — “Bunga Api Asap” Fire Sputter was remembered as one of the most inexpensive types. It used a paper handle, often with red-and-white stripes. Colourful packaging, including a variation featuring a cartoon girl, remains part of local nostalgia. 2.4 Pop-Pop Pop-Pop was a small novelty that made a popping sound when it struck a hard surface. It appears in many childhood recollections, though any present-day use must follow applicable safety requirements and laws. 3. Firecrackers and Malaysian Festive Culture Long strings of firecrackers, often called mercun naga, are closely associated with Chinese New Year celebrations. DAS firecrackers and rockets known as Thunder Clap and Whistling Moon also feature in accounts of Malaysia's earlier market. Historical popularity does not establish present-day legality. 4. Bamboo Cannons: A Village Tradition In some rural communities, bamboo cannons were associated with the run-up to Aidilfitri, especially among adult men. The tradition was linked to calcium carbide, known locally as karbait, which was reportedly inexpensive and readily available. The substance generates flammable gas when reacting with water. Uncontrolled explosions pose severe injury, fire and hearing risks. This is cultural history, not an activity to recreate. 5. Why Were Multi-Shot Cakes Rare Before 1991? Industry recollections suggest that multi-shot cakes were uncommon in Malaysia during the 1970s and 1980s. Price, limited distribution and marketing may have contributed, but historic market figures are not yet available to verify the explanation. The recollection that Bright Sparklers did not manufacture shot cakes also requires historical catalogue evidence. 6. The Bright Sparklers Tragedy of 1991 On 7 May 1991, a fire and explosions at the Bright Sparklers factory in Sungai Buloh, Selangor shocked the country. Historical accounts report 26 deaths and more than 100 injuries. The disaster drew attention to pyrotechnic manufacturing, storage and safety, and was investigated by a Royal Commission. The precise dates and scope of later legal restrictions should be established from original gazettes. 7. The Restricted Market, 1990s–2013 Following the tragedy, the industry faced tighter controls. Industry participants recall continued festive demand and circulation of unlicensed fireworks, some believed to have been smuggled from neighbouring countries. The scale of this trade has not been verified by official statistics. 8. Developments in Licensed Imports Around 2014 According to industry accounts, LCM Maha Energy received Ministry of Home Affairs approval around 2014 to import Happy Boom-category fireworks for festive markets. Amflex, Adin Redcracker and Pakatan Maju Niaga are associated with developments around 2016–2017. Exact licensing dates, order and conditions remain unverified and should not be treated as official licensing history. 9. Regulatory Developments, 2023–2026 Government policy developments in 2023 and the Explosives Prohibition Notification 2025, P.U. (B) 41, form part of the evolving regulatory framework. Import, retail sale and use are distinct legal activities, each subject to applicable conditions. Current guidance should be checked with Malaysia's Ministry of Home Affairs and Royal Malaysia Police. 10. From Traditional Sparklers to the Modern Industry Traditional sparklers and novelties were once among the most recognisable products. Changes in manufacturing, packaging and distribution have expanded the range of effects and products. The industry's story also concerns public safety, regulation and responsible business practices. 11. Memories Across Generations For some, the blue King Cat packet, Sunset's red-and-yellow wrapping, Fire Sputter's stripes and the glow of pelita still evoke homecoming. For younger readers, these stories offer a glimpse of celebrations before the digital era. The Bright Sparklers tragedy also reminds us that festivities must be balanced with safety. Generations change and technology evolves, but the memory of festive lights remains part of Malaysia's cultural history. About This Article Published by Station Pyrotech, this article combines historical reporting, legal background and industry recollections. Some product nicknames, market descriptions and licensing dates await documentary confirmation. Editorial References • New Straits Times, Bright Sparklers historical report (2020). • Royal Commission report on the Bright Sparklers disaster (1992). • Malaysia Ministry of Home Affairs guidance on explosives and fireworks. • Explosives Prohibition Notification 2025, P.U. (B) 41. • Malaysian parliamentary written answer dated 10 February 2026. • Accounts from Malaysian fireworks industry participants.