Vimita Mohandas Channel NewsAsia 17 Sep 13;
SINGAPORE: Restrictions on the release of sky lanterns in Singapore put in place last December have encouraged some people to think out of the box.
The restrictions follow a review of regulations on the conduct of aerial activities last year.
Sky lanterns are usually released during the Mid-Autumn festival but they are a fire hazard and also pose a hazard to aircraft in the vicinity.
With enhanced restrictions on the release of sky lanterns, some vendors said they have seen a drop in business.
In previous years, they could sell about ten a week while now it's fewer than two.
However, at the Ang Mo Kio-Hougang Mid-Autumn celebration last week, some opted to get creative by putting helium balloons inside the sky lantern and replacing the flame with LED lights.
MP of Ang Mo Kio GRC Yeo Guat Kwang, said: “We overcome the restrictions by looking at some of the safety aspects as well as choosing a location that we assure the authorities that we will not cause any problems."
- CNA/ec
