Four face court over illegal Deepavali fireworks display in Skudai

JOHOR BAHRU — Four men, including a 16-year-old secondary school student, entered not guilty pleas at the Skudai Magistrate's Court on Tuesday in connection with an illegal fireworks display during Deepavali festivities. The fireworks stunt, which took place in the Skudai area, drew attention from authorities who subsequently initiated legal action against the group. The youngest defendant's involvement in the incident underscores growing concerns about unsafe practices during festival celebrations in the state. Malaysian authorities have intensified enforcement against unauthorised pyrotechnic displays, citing public safety risks and potential injury to bystanders. The case was remanded for further investigation, with the court scheduling additional hearing dates to allow prosecutors to gather evidence. Deepavali celebrations, while an important cultural event in Malaysia, have occasionally been marred by incidents involving illegal fireworks and explosives, prompting regular warnings from local authorities ahead of the festival season.