Klang MP urges state govt to form separate inquiry on fireworks mishap

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor government must form its own investigative team to probe the fireworks display mishap during the New Year's Day celebration organised by the Klang Municipal Council (MPK).
Klang MP Charles Santiago said an open investigation must be conducted by the respective authorities so that the public would not be left in the dark.
"While I welcome MPK's domestic investigation, we need an open investigation on safety and security protocols as this is a matter of public interest.
"The Selangor state government must therefore form an investigative team, that can come up with safety recommendations and protocol, which can be used by all local councils," the DAP federal lawmaker said in a statement today.
The incident at midnight on New Year's Eve in Pandamaran saw fireworks shooting into the crowd instead of going off in the sky, injuring 14 people including four children.
Charles also criticised MPK for failing to follow the proper procedure before holding the fireworks show.
"It is irresponsible of the organisers to engage an unlicensed company for the fireworks display. Media reports had also indicated that MPK did not have the relevant permit to organise such an event," he said.
Meanwhile, MCA Youth Klang Division Chairman Tee Hooi Ling said it was unfathomable that MPK, which acts as a policy maker, failed to abide by the law.
"How could MPK ignore this requirement despite being given a reasonable and sufficient time frame? This is sheer incompetence," he said.