{
  "id": 3698176,
  "title": "Chow says Penang Merdeka celebration cannot be moved indoors",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/chow-says-penang-merdeka-celebration-cannot-be-moved-indoors-3698176",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-27T07:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/27/chow-says-penang-merdeka-celebration-cannot-be-moved-indoors"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Penang's chief minister, Chow Kon Yeow, stated that relocating the state's Merdeka Day event indoors is not a viable option due to the persistent haze. Despite this, the government will continue to closely monitor the air quality situation. Chow indicated that if the air pollutant index (API) reaches 200 or higher, it may be prudent to postpone the event. However, the celebration is still several days away, and a final decision has not yet been made. The state-level Merdeka Day celebration is planned to occur at Padang Kota. Penang Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi confirmed that there has been no significant increase in respiratory illnesses attributed to the haze. Nonetheless, healthcare facilities in the state are prepared to handle any such cases. Currently, the air quality in Penang is rated as moderate, with the Seberang Perai station recording an API of 83, while Minden, Balik Pulau, and Seberang Jaya reported levels of 78, 75, and 73, respectively.",
  "summary": "Penang chief minister says the state government will continue to monitor the haze situation closely.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Penang's roads are choking, but state still cannot count the cost",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/penangs-roads-are-choking-but-state-still-cannot-count-the-cost",
        "published": "2026-08-26T23:30:15.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Chow says Penang Merdeka celebration cannot be moved indoors",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/chow-says-penang-merdeka-celebration-cannot-be-moved-indoors",
        "published": "2026-08-27T07:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}