http://itn.co.uk/d120dc488cadfb672f313c1af41c5260.htmlResidents in Malawi's financial capital Blantyre have reacted angrily at government attempts to criminalise farting in public.
The Local Courts Bill, to be introduced next week, 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."
The bill will also attempt to deal with citizens who hinder the burial of dead bodies as well as people who pretend to be fortune tellers.
Many feel that there are better issues that the government needs to discuss. Local Topsi Ganzalesi said: "We can't allow that. We all fart. Where do they think we could go and fart? That is no issue to debate upon."
College student, Matthews Phiri, was not alone in saying he could not understand how the government hoped to enforce the new law - adding to widespread criticism that the new law is a giant waste of public funds.
"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." he said.