Anger over farting ban

Farting in public has been banned in a Malawian city.

Residents of the financial capital Blantyre are furious at the Local Courts Bill due to be introduced next week, which will criminalize breaking wind on the streets.

The bill reads: "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."

College student Matthews Phiri who is against the new ruling said: "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!

"Our legislators need to concentrate on discussing development projects. They should not waste our time and money on childish issues. It would make sense if they talked about defecating and urinating anyhow but not farting. This will not work. We will keep on farting."