Penang postpones National Sports Day celebration due to unhealthy air quality
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has postponed its state-level National Sports Day 2026 celebration following unhealthy air quality caused by haze across the state.
George Town, Penang has delayed its state-level National Sports Day 2026 event due to poor air quality resulting from haze across the state. The celebration was originally planned for Saturday at Kompleks Sukan dan Rekreasi Jalan Betek in Bukit Mertajam. Daniel Gooi, chairman of the State Youth, Sports and Health Committee, stated that a new date will be announced at a later time.
The announcement comes after Air Pollutant Index (API) readings surpassed 100, which is considered unhealthy, and aligns with the guidelines issued by the Youth and Sports Ministry on October 8. These guidelines recommend taking appropriate measures when air quality levels may impact health. Gooi noted that the committee is closely monitoring air quality developments and API readings.
He explained that mass participation in outdoor sports and recreational activities could exacerbate exposure to air pollution, especially when API readings reach unhealthy levels. Gooi acknowledged the inconvenience the postponement might cause to participants, agencies, sports associations, communities, and others involved in the preparations.
He advised the public to monitor air quality updates and take preventive measures, such as reducing outdoor physical activities if haze conditions persist. Three of the four automatic air quality monitoring stations in Penang recorded unhealthy API readings as of 7am: Seberang Prai with 155, Minden at 154, and Seberang Jaya at 152.
Written by urgent.news from New Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
