GEORGE TOWN: Traditional cellophane lanterns are back in demand this Mid-Autumn Festival as consumers find that they can last longer than the modern battery-powered ones.

       Shop-owner Kenny Lim said the demand for paper lanterns has increased this year as children love the combination of cellophane and candles.

       “I showcase more such lanterns in my shop such as the popular zodiac animal designs and the response from my customers has been very good.

       “They bring their children and friends to my shop to buy these colourful lanterns,” he said, adding that he only allows fully-vaccinated patrons into his shop.

       Lim said traditional lanterns “powered” by candles have a more sentimental value and bring back memories of the “good old times”.

       “These lanterns have a longer shelf life compared to battery-powered lanterns.

       “This year, popular designs are of unicorns, Marvel superheroes and Pokemon,” he said when met at his shop in Carnarvon Street yesterday.

       Lim said that the younger generation prefer lanterns with popular characters and not the old-fashioned plain red paper lanterns.

       He said he has also embraced online platforms to promote his lanterns to customers from all over Malaysia.

       “I have several types of lanterns in my shop including lanterns on wheels, bubble-blowing lanterns, and LED (light-emitting diode) DIY craft lanterns,” he added.

       Spotted at the shop yesterday was Frankie Lai who had come to check out some of the lanterns and made a video-call to his daughter to ask her which one she liked.

       “I did not bring my daughter along as she is still young and not vaccinated. I love the lanterns here, especially the traditional ones,” he said.