National Sports Day celebration postponed due to haze

KUALA LUMPUR: The national-level National Sports Day event, originally scheduled for Saturday in Bukit Jalil, has been delayed due to deteriorating haze conditions across various regions of Malaysia. The Youth and Sports Ministry announced the postponement on Friday following consultations with pertinent government bodies concerning potential health hazards associated with organizing large-scale outdoor events.

The ministry emphasized that public health and safety were their utmost priority, especially for participants, organizers, and the general populace. The decision was taken as a proactive and precautionary step to avert any health risks to those involved, stated the ministry in a press release. A revised date will be communicated once the air quality reaches a level deemed safe for outdoor activities.

The ministry also noted the concerns voiced by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim regarding the haze situation plaguing the nation. The postponement was approved based on advice and consent from the Youth and Sports Minister. In addition to the national-level celebration, events in several states including Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Kedah, Penang, Negri Sembilan, and Melaka have been postponed.

However, festivities in Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perlis, Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan will go ahead as planned, contingent on local conditions and decisions made by respective authorities. The ministry reiterated that the organization of National Sports Day events at the state and other levels would rely on local air quality and administrative decisions.

It also urged Malaysians to minimize outdoor physical activities until conditions improve. Citizens were advised to adhere to health guidelines and recommendations issued by the Health Ministry and the Department of Environment. The ministry expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the postponement and appreciated all parties for their understanding and cooperation.