Starchild: Malaysian children love balloons in all shapes and sizes

Tian Bo Jing, 12

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What do you call a flexible inflatable bag filled with helium, hydrogen, and oxygen. A balloon!

Did you know that balloons were once made from dried animal bladders? No more though as the balloons you buy are now made from latex, polychloroprene or nylon fabric.

Here’s what Starchild readers had to say on the topic, Balloons.

Loges M. Puvanandaran, 12

Loges M. Puvanandaran, 12, thinks balloons are essential to have at parties because they add colour and fun to special events. “Balloons are used on birthdays, school sports day and festivals. They are also used to commemorate significant events in people’s lives such as marriage or memorial to loved ones.”

Asher Wang Qi Chuen, 4

“I received a big green dinosaur-shaped balloon for my birthday. There’s a red hole at the foot of the dinosaur to inflate it,” says Asher Wang Qi Chuen, four.

Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, 6

Older sibling Bethany Wang Qi Syuen, six, thinks balloons are a lot of fun to play with. “When filled with helium gas, balloons can float in the air. Balloons always beautify the place and bring much cheer to children at parties.”

Nicole Tan Jia Mae, 8

“I love balloons because they are colourful and bright,” says eight-year-old Nicole Tan Jia Mae.

Khoo Yi Liang, 9

Khoo Yi Liang, nine, thinks that balloons should be used at parties because they make everyone happy. “We can bring it home and play with it for a few days.”

Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, 8

“We went to a balloon festival, and we got some balloons. My sister got a lot of balloons, and she floated up because she is very light. Thankfully Mummy caught her in time! I like balloons because they are colourful but I don’t like it when it pops and becomes just rubber and strings,” says Sophie Yap Jyn Qing, eight.

Claire Yap Jyn Wei, 6

Younger sibling Claire Yap Jyn Wei, six, writes: “I like balloons because they look like they are flying in the air, even though they do not have wings. I like the pictures on the balloons like hearts, smiley faces, birds and patterns.”

“I like balloons at parties because they can be for decorations, and children can use balloons to play party games too, says Norlick Titi, six.

Norlick Titi, 6

Mandy Tang, five, says: “These paw Patrol balloons are for my dog, Bobby’s birthday party.

Mandy Tang, 5

Tian Bo Jing, 12, thinks that balloons can improve the atmosphere at a birthday party or even be used to create a fairy tale world. “Compared to flowers, balloons can better reflect the 3D effect.”

Clarisse Choo Kai Xin, 9

Wong Cheng Yang, seven, likes balloons in the shape of the characters from the online game Among Us. “I like the characters because they come in many colours. Balloons can be used for birthday parties and many celebrations. I love to share them with all my friends. It can make everyone happy to play with them.”

Wong Cheng Yang, 7

Younger sibling Wong Jie Ern, five, likes heart-shaped balloons. “I want to share the balloons with all my friends at my birthday party. Balloons can make my birthday party very fun.”

Wong Jie Ern, 5

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12

Jodie Tan Li Juen, 12 years old, writes, “During my birthday and my siblings’ birthday parties, my parents will always use balloons for decorations. It is simple and easy. Balloons will be the first choice because balloons are always celebratory and festive. It is so much fun and entertaining.”

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, 9

Jayden Tan Li Sheng, nine, is always happy to see colourful balloons floating in the air and in shopping malls. “I love balloons because they have many happy colours and can be transformed into any shapes like animals, toys and dolls. At my friend’s birthday party before the pandemic, I saw artist clowns demonstrate the balloons and turn them into my favourite animals.” – Compiled by Sheela Chandran.

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