Haze can't stop the party: Sabah moves Malaysia Day celebration to SICC

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — With haze looming over the state, Sabah officials have decided to shift the Malaysia Day celebration, originally scheduled for Sept 16, to the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC). State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin announced the decision, stating that the move would allow the event to continue as planned.

"We have decided to move the celebration to SICC due to the haze affecting the State and the country," Jafry remarked. The Sabah International Exhibition 2026 (SIE2026) is a major trade platform, with 15 countries participating and 300 exhibition booths, about 35 percent of which involve international exhibitors. The Sabah-level celebration will kick off at 8pm, mirroring the national-level event in Kuching, Sarawak.

A range of activities, including dance performances, a montage showcasing Malaysia Madani, and entertainment by local artistes, have been planned to make the event memorable. Jafry sought the Governor's consent to attend the celebration in person. Apart from the main event, the State Archives is also organizing a celebration, which includes a history exhibition of Malaysia Day, and will continue until the end of this week.

Jafry urged the public, especially residents of Kota Kinabalu and those in surrounding areas, to join in the festivities on Sept 16.