Malawians make a stink about new law

Residents of Malawi's financial capital Blantyre are angry about a controversial bill proposing a ban on passing wind in public, saying the law makes a mockery of Malawians.

Fumes of displeasure are wafting over the city of Blantyre in Malawi.

Residents are incensed about the government's plans to criminalise the act of passing wind in public.

Blantyre resident, Topsy Gonzalesi, saying (Chichewa):

"We can't allow that. We all fart. Where do they think we could go and fart? That is no issue to debate upon. What do you think?" College student, Matthews Phiri, saying (Chichewa):

"We all fart in public and it will be difficult to tell who has done it. Some do it silently. It some cases it is like teargas which goes like shhhh! It would make sense if they talked about defecating and urinating but not farting. We will keep on farting."

The bill states, "Any person who vitiates the atmosphere in any place so as to make it noxious to the public to the health of persons in general dwelling or carrying on business in the neighbourhood or passing along a public way, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour."

Many feel there are more important issues facing the government and that the flatulence law makes a mockery of Malawians.

Student Margaret Kabuluzi, saying (Chichewa):

"The government should think twice. Not all of us will be able to control ourselves from farting in public. There are times when you only just realise that you have done it. We all have our right to fart and we should just carry on as before."

It's not clear how odorous offenders will be identified … perhaps sniffer dogs will have to be employed.

Tara Cleary, Reuters.