IT’S that time of the year Malaysians brace themselves for the incessant sound of exploding fireworks going off – even into the wee hours.
That’s not to mention the air pollution and residue this brings along. It is even more stressful for those with pets which can be extremely susceptible to the sudden loud noises.
Well, a group of teachers at SMK Sungai Maong in Kuching, Sarawak have come up with a novel idea to at least reduce air and noise pollution from lighting firecrackers. It simply involves bursting a long line of balloons!
Kreatif betul ni, guna belon sebagai ganti mercun untuk sambutan Tahun Baru Cina 🤩👏
SMK Sungai Maong. pic.twitter.com/xTDGmyI9cI
— ًِ (@bckupacc99) January 23, 2025
This was shared in a video clip on X by social media influencer @bckupacc99 whereby several hundred balloons pulled along a line bursting them replicated the usual sound effects of the red firecrackers.
The short clip has already been viewed 1.4M views at time of publication, earning the teachers who came up with this innovative idea plenty of praise.
One netizen praised the budget-friendly ingenuity of the teachers while another observed there is less of an environmental impact compared to the normal firecrackers.
Another commented that this was a fantastic idea with the event further promoted closer unity among Malaysians.
However, some decided to nit-pick by stating that this method created an almighty mess. Pity the school cleaner was the lament.
One netizen further contended that this method was not very environmentally-friendly either.
To which some very choice words directed at them including “please move to another planet”.
With one incredulously asking if there was no mess from the normal red firecrackers.
One netizen hilariously pointed out that the ones who have to really suffer are those tasked with blowing up the balloons.
Another drew comparisons with the annual firework “wars” that break out every Eid, pointing out that this was infinitely safer given “it doesn’t entail the loss of limbs”.
One netizen summed up the whole episode quite nicely by stating that what’s important is that it adds to the festive mood.
With that FocusM hopes all Malaysians are getting in the festive mood, perhaps sans firecrackers. – Jan 27, 2025
