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 Thousands of Singaporeans crowded Chinatown
on 3rd January evening to see the Lunar New Year light-up, for the biggest attraction
was the firing of 10,000 firecrackers. It was the first time in more than 30
years that firecrackers have been used at such a celebration. Firecrackers were
banned in Singapore in 1972. Before the ban, it was the Chinese custom to light
up firecrackers during Lunar New Year to welcome the arrival of the new year.
Every Chinese household would sling a role of firecrackers over their flatfs
corridor parapet before lighting it up.
However, due to the number of accidents caused by firecrackers, the Singapore
Government imposed a partial ban in 1970. The ban was imposed after 6 people
were killed, 68 injured and S$350,000 worth of damage to properties was incurred
as a result of explosions and fires caused by firecrackers. But despite of the
partial ban, 9 people were injured during the Chinese New Year period in 1971.
2 policemen were also attacked when they tried to stop a group pf people firing
firecrackers unlawfully. In June 1972, the Government implemented the Dangerous
Fireworks Act and imposed a total ban on firecrackers. Those caught letting off
firecrackers will face a penalty of a fine or imprisonment.
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