DEEPAVALI came and went, but Raj is still talking about the torment he and his eight-year-old German Shepherd, Kaiser, endured from the continuous barrage of firecrackers.
Every time a firecracker went off, Kaiser would cower and pace restlessly, each deafening bang a source of anxiety for both pet and owner.
This ordeal went on for days. Even the completely unexpected and rare victory of his favourite club Manchester United over champions Liverpool on Deepavali eve did nothing to numb the discomfort.
The offending neighbours also set off string firecrackers, rattling his windows.
To some, firecrackers may be auspicious, a way to ward off bad luck or usher in prosperity.
But for Raj, their excessive use is inconsiderate, even uncivilised.
Raj certainly was not the only one feeling miserable while others celebrated.
Social media was abuzz with complaints from countless irked Malaysians who endured sleepless nights.
The ear-splitting noise is particularly distressing for vulnerable individuals like newborns, the old and infirm, and those with sensory impairment.
For these groups, the loud sounds can cause deep anxiety and mental exhaustion.
Animals are also vulnerable as they are highly sensitive to loud noises.
But while Raj and Kaiser had to put up with the deafening racket for days, at least his pet was still safe at home.
Not so for some whose pets disappeared in the chaos, who are now desperately offering rewards online for their furkids' safe return.
Raj is not against festive merriment, as he says those celebrating should be allowed to indulge in some fun.
But he firmly believes there must be limits.
He is right. One should not be celebrating to such extreme that it causes others distress.
Since 2018, only 45 types of fireworks are legal for public sale.
These mostly consist of spinners, fountains, sparklers and Roman candles.
The police had previously said that fireworks were allowed in open spaces, and they should not disrupt public peace.
They also warned that setting off fireworks past midnight could cause disruption or danger to others, and that action could be taken under Minor Offences Act 1955.
Those possessing, selling or using fireworks and firecrackers other than those permitted may also face action under Explosives Act 1957 (Act 207).
The penalties include imprisonment for seven years, a fine of RM10,000, or both.
Yet, it cannot be denied that many Malaysians openly flout some of these provisions.
Most Malaysians can accept some leeway during festive occasions, but we feel this freedom must be exercised in accordance with the law.
Some, however, are so sick of the noise each festive season, that they want an outright ban like in Singapore where the use of firecrackers by private citizens is prohibited.
Others point out that even in China, where firecrackers and fireworks were said to have been invented, many cities have either banned or restricted their use.
So, people like Raj certainly have the right to ask why there is no effective enforcement in place.
There is also the toll on the environment and our health.
The din can cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears), ear pain or, in extreme cases, even a burst eardrum.
The smoke can trigger throat irritation and worsen pre-existing conditions like asthma, while the debris from firecrackers contain potentially harmful chemicals.
Animal lovers and pet owners have a point too, when they say provisions in Animal Welfare Act 2015 clearly makes it an offence to cause any unnecessary pain or suffering to animals or to terrorise them.
Malaysians may have different beliefs or ways of celebrating, Raj says, but as a festival like Deepavali symbolises the victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, respecting the rights, privacy and personal space of others should be part of that illuminating "light".
He, like many others, is not asking for a complete ban to be implemented.
Instead, he is appealing to Malaysians to practise civic consciousness.
He looks forward to the day that all Malaysians celebrate their respective festivals responsibly, without turning their joy into others' distress.