Malaysia bans flying lanterns

Lanterns are very popular over the lunar New Year

By Jonathan Kent BBC correspondent in Kuala Lumpur

The Malaysian Government has announced a ban on flying lanterns traditionally released to celebrate Chinese New Year.

The move follows an incident on Saturday when thousands of sky lanterns disrupted the flights of 12 aircraft coming in to land in Penang, one of Malaysia's international airports.

Under the new rules there will be a complete ban on the lanterns within 5 km (3 miles) of any airport.

Those wanting to fly them elsewhere will have to seek police permission.

Malaysia's deputy prime minister said that they pose a danger to aircraft and could start house fires.

Thousands were set free after dark on Saturday on the island of Penang, to mark the eighth day of Chinese New Year.

Penang's chief minister said their lights had confused pilots and could have caused explosions if sucked into aircraft jet engines.

However he has appealed for air traffic over Penang to be suspended for four hours, late this Saturday, so more lanterns can be released.

Saturday is Chap Goh Mei, the 15th, and last day of Chinese New Year.

The leader of the largest ethnic Chinese party in Malaysia's government has asked that the ban be limited to areas near airports.

Sensitive issue

Malaysian lawmakers have to be sensitive to the country's various ethnic communities.

More than a quarter of the population are ethnic Chinese and the Lunar New Year is as important in their calendar as Christmas is to many Christians.

The change in the law may have little impact as Malaysia's police struggle to enforce rules governing areas like driving or the selling of counterfeit goods.

The so-called 'Kung Ming' lanterns at the centre of the row resemble small hot air balloons made from oiled paper and bamboo, and are powered by burning kerosene soaked rags.

They are named after the prime minister of one of China's ancient warring states who invented them to carry military secrets during war time.