This is from TheStar
Published: Wednesday January 18, 2012
PETALING JAYA: The Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) has reminded people that the ban on sky lanterns was still in force.
It's director general Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman said the sky (or Kong Ming) lantern, which can rise up to 1,800m, poses a danger to aircraft.
“Releasing the lanterns into the air will pose a serious safety risk to aircrafts,” he said in a statement Wednesday.
On Feb 8, 2003, the Penang International Airport authorities had to redirect 12 approaching planes, when 10 Kong Ming lanterns landed on the runway, resulting in the ban.
Those found defying the ban will be charged under Section 285 of the Penal Code and be jailed six months or fined RM2,000. They could also be charged under Section 5 of the Explosives Act 1957, and face a jail term of five years or be fined RM10,000.
