JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia — What began as a shocking Deepavali fireworks stunt on a busy public road in Skudai has escalated into a court case involving six accused individuals, including a 16-year-old secondary school student.
Four individuals have pleaded not guilty to charges of negligent conduct involving fireworks after a viral video showed explosives being ignited on a main road while other vehicles were passing through the area.
Two additional men were separately charged over allegedly dangerous motorcycle riding at the same location, bringing the total number of individuals charged in connection with the incident to six.
The case has attracted attention because of the potential danger posed to unsuspecting motorists and motorcyclists, as well as the involvement of a minor in an incident that has now reached the Johor Bahru Magistrates’ Court.
The incident reportedly occurred at approximately 1.30am on November 8, 2026, along Jalan Skudai-Gelang Patah, near the Taman Nesa traffic-light junction.
Police launched an investigation after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media, showing individuals setting off fireworks on an active public road.
The court proceedings on November 11 marked a significant development in the investigation, which initially began with police searching for seven individuals believed to have been involved.
Four Accused, Including a 16-Year-Old, Plead Not Guilty
The four individuals facing charges involving fireworks were identified as:
- P. Ruban, 20
- S. Tharun, 18
- H. Periuthiv, 19
- An unidentified 16-year-old boy
All four entered pleas of not guilty when their respective charges were read before four different magistrates at the Johor Bahru Magistrates’ Court.
According to the charge sheets, they allegedly acted negligently by setting off fireworks, classified as an explosive substance, on a public road occupied by other vehicles in circumstances that could have endangered other people.
The charges relate to the incident near the Taman Nesa traffic lights at approximately 1.30am on November 8.
The identity of the 16-year-old cannot be disclosed under legal protections governing minors.
His involvement has nevertheless drawn particular attention because the case highlights the potential legal consequences of dangerous activities involving explosive materials, even when those activities are connected to celebrations.
All four accused have claimed trial, meaning the allegations have yet to be proven in court.
What Penalties Could the Four Face Under Malaysian Law?
The three adult accused were charged under Section 286 of Malaysia’s Penal Code, which covers negligent conduct involving explosive substances that could endanger human life or cause injury.
If convicted, each adult could face:
- Imprisonment of up to six months
- A fine of up to RM2,000
- Both imprisonment and a fine
The 16-year-old faces the same statutory charge, but proceedings involving him are subject to separate protections and sentencing provisions under Malaysian law.
Depending on the outcome, the court may consider measures such as a warning, a good-behaviour bond, a fine, community service or placement in an approved school or Henry Gurney School.
The available options depend on the applicable juvenile justice provisions and the court’s assessment of the case.
The distinction is important because minors are dealt with under a different legal framework from adult offenders.
The court allowed bail of RM3,000 for Ruban, RM2,000 for Tharun, RM2,500 for Periuthiv and RM1,500 for the 16-year-old, with one surety each.
The next mention of the four fireworks-related cases was scheduled for December 3, when documents are expected to be submitted.
Two More Men Face Charges Over Motorcycle Stunts
The fireworks were not the only alleged dangerous activity investigated by police.
Two other men, identified as M. Rubenkumar, 23, and Muhammad Irsyad, 19, also appeared in court over their alleged involvement in the incident.
They were separately charged under Section 48(1) of Malaysia’s Road Transport Act 1987.
According to the charges, both allegedly rode their motorcycles in circles at the same location and time as the fireworks incident, creating a situation that could endanger other road users or obstruct traffic.
The provision carries a maximum penalty of one year’s imprisonment, a fine of up to RM5,000, or both upon conviction.
Both men pleaded not guilty.
The court granted each accused bail of RM2,500 with one surety and scheduled their next case mention for December 11.
These are separate charges from those involving the fireworks.
The proceedings therefore involve two distinct alleged offences: negligent conduct involving explosive substances and dangerous or obstructive motorcycle riding.
Seven Suspects Arrested After Viral Video Triggers Police Investigation
The investigation began after footage of the Skudai incident spread across social media.
The video reportedly showed individuals igniting fireworks directly on Jalan Skudai-Gelang Patah near the Taman Nesa traffic-light junction.
The activity took place while other vehicles and motorcycles were using the road.
The footage raised concerns about the possibility of motorists being startled by sudden explosions, losing control of their vehicles or suffering injuries from flying debris.
Johor Bahru North district police subsequently launched an investigation.
Police initially arrested four suspects, aged between 16 and 25, during an operation in the Skudai area on November 8.
Initial police checks found that the four had no previous criminal records, while preliminary urine screening tests returned negative results.
Authorities later arrested three additional individuals in connection with the incident.
Of the seven people arrested, six were eventually charged in court, while the remaining individual was released on bail and is expected to serve as a prosecution witness.
The development demonstrates how quickly a social media video can become the starting point of a formal police investigation when it captures conduct that may endanger the public.
WWC ONE MEDIA previously reported on the initial arrests and the police search for the remaining suspects.
Why Setting Off Fireworks on a Busy Road Is Extremely Dangerous
The incident has renewed discussions about fireworks safety, particularly when celebrations take place in public spaces where unsuspecting people may be exposed to explosive materials.
Fireworks can produce sudden blasts, intense heat, sparks and flying debris.
When these are ignited on an active road, the risks extend beyond the individuals handling the explosives.
Drivers may suddenly brake or swerve after being startled by an explosion. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable because even a brief loss of balance can result in a serious collision.
Other possible consequences include:
- Burns and injuries from exploding fireworks.
- Eye injuries caused by sparks and flying debris.
- Damage to nearby vehicles and property.
- Road obstruction and sudden traffic congestion.
- Secondary accidents involving startled motorists.
- Fires involving nearby buildings, vehicles or combustible materials.
The Skudai incident is particularly concerning because the alleged activity took place at a traffic-light junction, where vehicles and motorcycles would normally be expected to stop and move through the intersection.
A public road is not a controlled fireworks-display venue, and other road users should not be forced to face risks created by unauthorised activities.
Malaysia’s Fireworks Regulations Put Safety and Accountability in Focus
The incident also highlights the importance of Malaysia’s regulations governing fireworks and explosive materials.
Section 286 of the Penal Code addresses negligent conduct involving explosive substances when the conduct creates a risk to human life or personal safety.
Meanwhile, the Explosives Act 1957 and applicable regulations govern the handling and control of explosive materials.
The precise legality of particular fireworks and their use depends on the relevant laws, permissions and circumstances.
However, the Skudai charges demonstrate that even when fireworks are associated with a cultural or religious celebration, their use does not remove the responsibility to protect other people.
Deepavali is widely celebrated through family gatherings, religious observances and festive activities.
But celebrations involving fireworks must never place motorists, pedestrians or nearby residents in danger.
WWC ONE MEDIA recently reported on a related issue in the Philippines, where authorities in Davao are reminding firecracker and pyrotechnics sellers to secure the required permits before conducting business.
Although the Malaysian and Philippine regulatory systems are different, both developments underline the importance of controlling explosive materials and ensuring public safety.
Johor Also Faces Growing Road-Safety and Traffic Enforcement Challenges
The Skudai incident comes as Johor authorities continue strengthening enforcement against traffic violations.
The state is an important transportation hub because of its connection to Singapore and its growing population, commercial activity and vehicle traffic.
Motorists travelling through Johor are expected to comply with Malaysian road regulations, including requirements involving valid driving licences, insurance, road tax and safe vehicle operation.
In a separate enforcement campaign, Johor authorities caught more than 1,000 foreign motorists over a four-month period for various traffic-related violations.
Singaporeans were among those flagged during the operations.
The campaign and the Skudai fireworks case involve different enforcement issues, but both demonstrate the importance of road discipline and accountability among everyone using Johor’s roads.
Another growing concern is the condition of roads during severe weather.
Johor has identified hundreds of flood-prone locations and dozens of high-risk roads ahead of the 2026/2027 Northeast Monsoon season.
Read: Johor Identifies 337 Flood Hotspots as Northeast Monsoon Threatens Malaysia.
The broader message is that road safety depends not only on infrastructure and enforcement but also on responsible behaviour by motorists and members of the public.
Court Cases Continue as Six Accused Await Their Next Hearings
The November 11 court proceedings represent an important step in the Skudai investigation, but the cases are far from concluded.
The four fireworks-related cases are scheduled for mention on December 3, while the two motorcycle-related cases are scheduled for December 11.
All six accused have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations must still be established through the judicial process.
The remaining individual who was released on bail is expected to assist the prosecution as a witness.
For now, the case serves as a reminder that a few minutes of reckless behaviour on a public road can lead to serious legal consequences and potentially endanger innocent people.
The viral footage may have brought the incident to public attention, but the court proceedings will ultimately determine individual responsibility.
What makes the case especially significant is the involvement of a 16-year-old, raising questions about parental supervision, peer influence and the responsibilities of young people when handling potentially dangerous materials.
As the December hearings approach, authorities and the public will be watching closely to see how the case develops.
The bigger question is whether this incident will become a warning that discourages similar dangerous stunts — or whether another viral fireworks stunt will put innocent motorists at risk before stronger preventive measures take effect.
