Penang keeps close eye on haze situation before final decision on Merdeka parade

George Town, Aug 27 — The Penang state government is keeping a watchful eye on daily air quality levels before deciding on the upcoming Merdeka parade at the Esplanade. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow revealed that the National Day celebrations, held outdoors on Aug 31, could be affected by worsening haze conditions. “If the situation worsens, the event could be conducted indoors,” Chow stated during a press conference at his Komtar office.

Relocating the parade to an indoor venue, such as the stadium, is not feasible, as outdoor events would still be exposed to the air. Penang will rely on the air pollutant index (API) to determine the parade's viability; readings above 200 API could lead to cancellation. However, a final decision has not been made yet, as the situation is still a few days away.

Currently, API readings in Penang have been fluctuating between moderate and unhealthy levels (50 to 160). The state health department is on high alert for any increase in respiratory-related illnesses, but so far, there has been no sudden surge. All healthcare facilities have been placed on standby, and the public is encouraged to seek treatment at any public healthcare facility if they experience respiratory symptoms.