Terengganu temporarily bans gas-filled balloons

The Terengganu government has temporarily banned the use of gas-filled balloons especially at official functions with immediate effect following the balloon explosion incident yesterday.

Menteri Besar Ahmad Razif Abd Rahman said the ban was to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.

"Preliminary information revealed that the balloons were filled with helium gas, but I was surprised because if it was helium, the effect will not be as bad as what had happened," he told reporters after visiting the victims at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital here today.

The incident, which injured 31 people, took place at about 11am at Dataran Batu Burok during the Walk for the Blind event when an official tried to release tethered balloons with a cigarette lighter.

Seven victims, aged between nine and 33, who suffered burns ranging from two to 19 percent on the face, neck and hands, are still being treated at the hospital.

The rest of the victims received outpatient treatment yesterday. -- Bernama