D
Dian Wei
Guest
Published: Friday December 24, 2010 MYT 3:21:00 PM
Updated: Friday December 24, 2010 MYT 3:31:31 PM
Call to ban sky lanterns in Sibu
By PHILIP HII
SIBU: Sibu MP Wong Ho Leng wants a ban on sky lanterns (Kungming lantern) saying they were a serious safety hazard.
A sky lantern being released into the air at Sibu Town Square.
"The lanterns can drop and fall on objects that can easily catch fire.
If they get entangled in high voltage electric cable, a short circuit can happen.
"Furthermore, they pose a threat to planes as the sky lanterns can float up to 1,000m," said Wong in a statement.
He said Sibu Municipal Council should emulate the example set by Miri, which had already banned sky lanterns.
Sky lanterns are being sold at RM5 each at Sibu Town Square Phase One since last weekend.
A few countries in the world, including some cities in China, have banned the sky lantern as they are seen as a fire risk and a hazard to aircraft.
