KUALA LUMPUR – As Chinese New Year approaches, the once-familiar sound of firecrackers ringing through the air, a symbol of good fortune and the banishment of bad luck, has become less pronounced this year.
Several vendors have reported a notable decrease in sales compared to previous years, as concerns over safety and the rising cost of living have led to more cautious spending.
Luis Chong, a roadside vendor, observed that customers are now spending between RM100 and RM300 on firecrackers, a decline from previous years.
“On average, every customer spends RM100 to RM300 on firecrackers,” Chong explained. “This is lower than what we saw in the past.”
Sia, who owns Mahkota Cheras Durian stall and also sells firecrackers, confirmed the trend, noting that fewer customers are purchasing high-end firecrackers.
“People are opting for cheaper options this year,” he said.
When questioned about why firecrackers are still in demand despite the rising costs of daily goods, Sia attributed it to cultural tradition.
“It is a culture,” he remarked, underscoring the importance of maintaining the practice despite economic challenges.
Similarly, Han Lin, the owner of FL Eight Five Enterprise, mentioned that firecrackers remain popular as they are used only once a year, and many buyers are still keen to honour the tradition.
However, he acknowledged a dip in sales, predicting a net profit of RM30,000 to RM40,000 this year, a significant drop from the RM60,000 he made last year. “Sales have declined compared to previous years,” he said.
In response to the downturn, vendors have reduced their prices and introduced promotions, such as offering five firecrackers for RM100. “Our prices are already reduced – we’re offering five items for RM100, and we even add one more, making it six,” Han added.
However, social media complaints about the dangers of firecrackers have further impacted sales. Han noted, “Our customers are being much more careful this year. They’re not buying big fireworks, mostly smaller ones, mainly for kids.”
The issue has sparked debate, with the Malaysia Education Info Facebook group highlighting concerns over Malaysia’s lenient enforcement of firecracker laws.
The group questioned whether authorities would only act after a major tragedy, as seen in Singapore. They also pointed out the environmental and social risks associated with fireworks, including toxic pollutants, noise pollution, and distress to animals and vulnerable individuals.
“Studies suggest up to 50% of dogs are afraid of fireworks, leading to behaviours like hiding, pacing, and shaking,” the group added.
The risks associated with firecrackers were underscored by a fire that broke out late on Sunday night (February 8, 2026) in an eighth-floor apartment unit at Persiaran Bangi Avenue in Kajang. A large stash of firecrackers and fireworks ignited, as reported by NST.
Though the explosive materials were destroyed and safety operations were conducted, the incident underscored the dangers of storing fireworks in residential areas. – February 10, 2026