Maran Perianen
Penang has tightened its fireworks sales rules for the 2027 Chinese New Year. The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has opened licence applications. Fireworks traders need a separate licence from a stall licence. The council has also added safety rules, Buletin Mutiara reported on 9 November. It follows the state’s 2027 budget announcement.
Meanwhile, fireworks sales licences run from 13 January to 11 February 2027. Seasonal stall licences run from 13 January to 20 February. Both are subject to police rules.
Overall, here is what traders must meet, what the licences cost and why safety is in focus.
What fireworks traders need
A stall licence does not allow fireworks sales. Traders must apply separately for a fireworks licence. In addition, the council must approve the sales location first, so the fireworks sales rules start with location.
Traders also need a valid police permit to sell fireworks. They must keep fire-fighting gear at the stall. Moreover, they must follow police orders on storage and handling.
Sales are barred near petrol stations and other unsuitable areas. Nobody may smoke, burn or test fireworks at a sales site. Likewise, sales areas must be free of other flammable items.
The notice mentions extra safety rules for 2027. However, it does not list them. It also gives no distance from schools or places of worship.
Dates, fees and who can apply
Applications are open now on the council’s online portal. However, the notice gives no closing date. Therefore, traders should apply early.
The licensing fee is unchanged at RM1 per day for every 40 sq ft. Refuse collection costs RM6 per 40 sq ft stall. A 20 ft by 20 ft canopy costs RM100.
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The council approved 128 applications in 2026. It has not said how many it expects in 2027. Moreover, foreign nationals may not apply for or manage either licence type.
Other rules apply to all stalls. Food traders and their helpers need valid anti-typhoid jabs. Furthermore, polystyrene containers are banned. Goods must stay inside the approved stall area.
Why safety is in focus
A fireworks stall fire in Nibong Tebal in March shows what is at stake. The blaze at Taman Pekaka, early on 22 March, destroyed about 95% of the stall. No one was hurt.
The Seberang Perai City Council then revoked the stall’s permit. It also told every stall to keep a fire extinguisher and insurance. In addition, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming ordered a nationwide review of safety steps. The review covers temporary fireworks stalls.
However, Nibong Tebal is under the Seberang Perai council, not the Penang Island council. The Island council’s notice mentions an incident in Jawi but does not name the blaze. Therefore, we cannot say whether the two are linked.
The council says it will work with the police to check traders through the festive period. Traders who sell without approval or break the rules face action, including loss of their licence. In short, traders need both council and police approval. The extra 2027 rules are still to be detailed, so watch for the full list before 13 January.
Yalinie Mathan
Amirull Salihing
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