From outdoors to indoors: Haze forces National Day Eve switch as PM’s address moves from Dataran Merdeka to PICC

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 27 — The National Day 2026 Prime Minister’s Address, originally planned for August 30, will now take place at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) due to the ongoing haze, the Communications Ministry announced today. The ceremony is set to commence at 9.30pm, according to a media statement from the National Day and Malaysia Day Celebration Working Committee.

The move aims to safeguard guests and the public, as well as ensure a smooth execution of the event, the statement explained. The relocation does not affect the event's content or spirit but is a responsible decision to maintain a comfortable environment. The government will continue to monitor the haze situation and air quality developments.

This follows the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings exceeding 100 in numerous areas, with Sarawak and the Greater Klang Valley, including Putrajaya, recording some of the highest levels, sometimes surpassing 200. Good air quality is defined as 0-50, moderate as 51-100, unhealthy as 101-200, very unhealthy as 201-300, and hazardous above 300.

On Wednesday, the government had reviewed the scale and location of this year’s National Day celebrations due to worsening air quality, but cancellation was not under consideration. Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil stated that the review encompassed both the August 30 National Day eve program at Dataran Merdeka and the main August 31 celebration in Putrajaya, with health and safety as the primary concerns.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed hope that the haze would subside in time for the celebrations. The National Day parade scheduled for August 31 will be decided based on prevailing conditions and advice from the Health, Environment, and Meteorological Ministries. The public has been advised to stay alert to the latest haze situation and access health information through the Health Ministry's official channels.

Both Malaysia and Indonesia agreed to strengthen preventive measures against transboundary haze, warning that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to worsen towards October.