National Day, Malaysia Day celebrations under review if haze worsens

The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES) is considering reviewing plans for the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations if the haze situation in Malaysia worsens. Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup stated this would enable appropriate decisions to be made, considering public safety and health, as these events involve significant movement and outdoor activities.

However, it is still too early to predict weather conditions for National Day on August 31, with accurate forecasts only possible four or five days prior. Arthur emphasized that the priority remains public safety and health. This stance applies to Malaysia Day on September 16, but he expressed hope for favorable weather conditions to allow both celebrations to proceed as scheduled.

Currently, out of 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide, three have reported good air quality, 56 moderate, eight unhealthy, and one very unhealthy, with the majority of hotspots located in southern Sarawak, near the border with Kalimantan and Sumatra. Arthur noted that most affected areas in Malaysia are in southern Sarawak due to proximity to Kalimantan.

The ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Department of Environment, has intensified monitoring efforts due to drier weather and an increase in hotspots, and is also boosting coordination, especially with Asean countries. During a recent Asean meeting on transboundary haze issues, Arthur met with his Indonesian counterpart, working together to escalate efforts to tackle the issue.