People in Clementi Caught Releasing Sky Lanterns Like They Are in Taipei

By
Valerie Chua
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To those who don’t know, sky lanterns are simple lanterns constructed from coloured paper and wire, with a candle placed at the bottom. 

When a fire is lit below the lantern, it begins to rise and drift into the sky (almost like a hot air balloon) until it disappears into the night sky.

From the romantic boat scene in Disney’s Rapunzel to Insta-worthy photos along Taipei’s Shifen Railroad, most people can agree that sky lanterns are the perfect way to create a gorgeous evening full of memories. 

Image: My Golden life / Shutterstock.com

Unless those sky lanterns pose a fire hazard in an estate full of high-rise buildings, that is. 

Video of Clementi Peaks Residents Releasing Sky Lanterns Sparks Concerns Among Neighbours

A resident of Build-to-Order (BTO) project Clementi Peaks sent Lianhe Zaobao a video that had been circulating among the residents’ Telegram group, which currently has 800 members. 

Image: Zaobao.sg

In the video, which was posted on the evening of 24 June, showed a group of more than 10 people releasing sky lanterns (also commonly known as Kongming Lanterns) at the residence’s open-air garden. 

The group contained several children, and at least three sky lanterns had been released into the sky before floating towards neighbouring blocks.

One lantern almost got stuck in a nearby tree as it began its ascent.

Upon watching the video, members of the group chat expressed their opinions regarding the matter.

Some of them felt that the release of lanterns were meant to mimic the Taiwanese practice of releasing sky lanterns to pray for good fortune. 

A few felt that the release of lanterns should be held in open-air areas instead of in a residential estate, as the sky lanterns may pose a fire hazard. 

Others expressed that their neighbours should not engage in such activities in order to ensure the safety of all residents.

For those still looking to enjoy some festive cheer involving lanterns, they may be better off sticking to hand-held lanterns like those found during the Mid-Autumn Festival. 

Otherwise, you might have to put those ideas on a leash, literally. 

Free Releasing of Sky Lanterns Are Not Allowed According to SCDF and CAAS

The free release of sky lanterns are not permitted in Singapore.

Should one still be adamant to release sky lanterns, the lanterns can only be released once they are safely tethered to the ground with ropes during a set period between 7pm to 7am on Monday to Friday, from 1pm on Saturday to 7am on Monday, and on public holidays.

According to the Civilian Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), this is due to the movements of drifting sky lanterns being impossible to predict, which may cause safety concerns. For example, aviation pilots may be distracted by the lit sky lanterns during take-off or landing, or the sky lanterns may pose the risk of being sucked into aircraft engines.

If sky lanterns are to be released near in restricted areas such as airports or air force bases, or at a height exceeding 200 feet, one must apply for a permit from CAAS.

For those who fail to do so, first-time offenders can be fined up to $20,000, and repeat offenders can be fined up to $40,000 or jailed for up to 15 months, or both.

Over in TikTok, there’s a drama involving property agents that’s caused by us. Here’s what happened:

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Valerie Chua
Email: [email protected]