Well done Malaysian pilots and crew.

CHONG Ja Jie's heart was racing as the hot-air balloon steadily rose into the heavens, taking the 11-year-old higher up than she had ever been in her life.

ADVENTURE: Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder being lifted into the hot-air balloon basket for the ride of their lives.

"It was my first trip ever off the ground. I was flying with the birds and so close to touching the sky," said the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder patient.

"At first, I was afraid but as the balloon began to lift off, I waved at my teachers down below while holding on firmly to the basket with my left hand.

"Once I was high above, I felt so free and light," said Ja Jie, one of the 30 special children from Happy Land Special Education Centre in Taman Johor Jaya.

"It was an great experience and I hope I get to do it again."
The balloon ride was part of the family day and fun fair at the launch of commercial lots at Seri Austin by UM Land Berhad recently.

More than 1,500 people showed up at the launch which saw the property developer bringing in professional hot-air balloon pilots who represented Malaysia in the recent Balloon Fiesta in Pattaya, Thailand.

The carnival was also packed with family-oriented activities such as a treasure hunt, manicure, foot massage, magic tricks and entertainment by a band.

UM Land Berhad Subsidiaries general manager Mohd Noor Abdul Talam, who launched the festivities, presented gifts, prizes and freebies to winners of the games and winners of the Seri Alam and Seri Austin "Spin and Win" winners.

The gifts included a 29-inch television set which was won by a 12-year-old boy who emerged champion in the treasure hunt.

"The carnival is in line with Seri Austin's slogan 'Simply Better' and is a gesture of appreciation to our loyal and prospective customers in conjunction with the New Year," Mohd Noor said.