ALOR STAR: A hot air balloon landed in a paddy field at Kampung Pisang, Kota Sarang Semut, today without an approved flight plan from the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), police said.
Kota Setar police chief, Assistant Commissioner Syed Basri Syed Ali, said a 32-year-old local farmer witnessed the landing at 8.30am.
"While heading to the town of Kota Sarang Semut, the witness saw several people folding the hot air balloon and placing it into a Mitsubishi Triton four-wheel drive vehicle," Syed Basri said in a statement.
After speaking to the Triton driver, the witness learned the balloon had taken off from Stadium Mini Pendang at 6.30am and landed in the village to avoid drifting out to sea, he added.
"The hot air balloon was later removed from Kampung Pisang using the four-wheel-drive vehicle. No injuries or fatalities were reported," Syed Basri said.
Investigations revealed the balloon was owned by a resort in Bertam, Penang, he said.
"Those involved included an Italian trainer, three local crew members, and two men in the Triton.
"The resort had only obtained flight permission for Taiping, Perak, and not for Kedah," he added.
The case has been referred to CAAM for further action. - NST
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