A 40-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection with a fireworks incident that occurred near a residential block in Yishun, Singapore. The man, identified as Noor Azhar Abdul Abas, was charged on Tuesday (April 16) for allegedly setting off dangerous fireworks in the vicinity of a housing estate.
Noor Azhar made a court appearance via video-link, as he is currently in remand. He has been charged with the unlawful discharge of dangerous fireworks, to which he expressed remorse and stated his intention to plead guilty. According to court documents, Noor Azhar is accused of igniting a box containing 25 shots of fireworks on April 9 at approximately 10:40 PM, at a grass patch near Block 644 Yishun Street 61.
An eight-second video of the incident was uploaded to the social media platform TikTok but has since been removed. The police responded to the incident around 10:42 PM on April 9, after receiving reports of the fireworks display. Through a combination of ground enquiries and the use of police cameras and closed-circuit television, the authorities were able to identify and apprehend Noor Azhar on April 14.
The Singapore Police Force released a statement on Monday, reminding the public that it is illegal to possess, sell, transport, send, deliver, distribute, or import dangerous fireworks. They emphasized their zero-tolerance approach to actions that endanger the lives or safety of others and cause unnecessary alarm to the public.
Individuals found guilty of discharging dangerous fireworks could face penalties including up to two years’ imprisonment, a fine between S$2,000 and S$10,000, or both. Noor Azhar is scheduled to return to court on May 28 to enter his plea.
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers and legal consequences associated with the use of dangerous fireworks. The authorities remain vigilant in enforcing fireworks regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
In Singapore, the penalties for discharging dangerous fireworks are outlined in the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972. If an individual is found guilty of discharging dangerous fireworks, they may face the following consequences:
- Imprisonment: A term of imprisonment not exceeding two years.
- Fine: A fine ranging between S$2,000 and S$10,000 (approximately US$1,500 to US$7,400).
- Both imprisonment and fine: A combination of imprisonment and a fine within the aforementioned ranges.
These penalties are intended to deter individuals from engaging in activities that could endanger the lives or safety of others, as well as cause unnecessary alarm to the public. The Singapore Police Force takes a firm stance on enforcing fireworks regulations to maintain the safety and well-being of the community.