General : MAHA 2026 Visitors Advised To Wear Face Masks Amid Haze, Hot Weather - Mohamad

Malaysia's Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2026 visitors are being advised to wear masks due to the ongoing haze, according to Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu. He urged the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health while attending the event. Speaking at the exhibition's launch, Mohamad expressed hope that visitors would comply with the mask recommendation to enhance health protection measures.

Senior officials, including Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin and Secretary-General Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, were present at the event.

Several areas, primarily in Sarawak, Perak, and the Klang Valley, recorded unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings on the morning of the exhibition's opening. Putrajaya had an API of 152, while Shah Alam and Johan Setia recorded 153 and 151, respectively. Petaling Jaya was at 112. Mohamad reported that attendance at Maha 2026 reached 140,000 on its first day, anticipating a similar turnout as the holiday season began.

An Ambang Merdeka celebration featuring drone shows and fireworks is planned for August 30, coinciding with Malaysia's National Day on August 31. The exhibition, held from August 28 to September 6 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang, emphasizes technology, innovation, and value creation to bolster the nation's food security.

Themed "Creating Value for Food Security," Maha 2026 aims to attract four million visitors, 2,000 local and international exhibitors, RM60 million in direct sales, and RM8 billion in potential investments and trade.