GERIK, Aug 21 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) will bring issues related to the organisation of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day (HKHM) celebrations to the Cabinet’s attention if the haze situation in the country worsens.
Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup said the move would allow appropriate decisions to be made, taking into account public safety and health, as both celebrations involve significant movement and outdoor activities.
He said it was still too early to determine the weather conditions for National Day on Aug 31, as more accurate forecasts could only be provided four or five days before the date.
“Therefore, we will continue to monitor the situation, but if it becomes concerning, I will bring this to the Cabinet’s attention so that we can make a decision later. But fundamentally, the priority is always to ensure public safety and health,” he said.
He said this to reporters after officiating the closing and recognition ceremony for the ASEAN and Asia Records Banding Trail Adventure 2026 (BTA2026) at Pulau Banding here today.
Arthur said the same approach would be taken for the Malaysia Day celebrations on Sept 16, but expressed hope that weather conditions would remain favourable to allow both celebrations to proceed as planned.
He said initial reports today showed that of the 68 air quality monitoring stations nationwide, three recorded good air quality, 56 moderate, eight unhealthy and one very unhealthy, with most of the affected areas located in southern Sarawak.
“So far, most of the hotspots are located in Kalimantan and Sumatra. As for Malaysia, I can only comment that most of the affected areas are in southern Sarawak because they are close to Kalimantan.
“Therefore, we will continue to monitor the situation and provide advice to the public. If the situation becomes more concerning, we will issue advisories and take the necessary measures,” he said.
Arthur said NRES, together with the Malaysian Meteorological Department and the Department of Environment, had stepped up monitoring operations following drier weather conditions and an increase in hotspots, while also intensifying coordinated efforts, particularly with countries in the ASEAN region.
“Recently, during the ASEAN meeting on transboundary haze issues, I met with my counterpart in Indonesia, and we worked together and agreed to step up efforts to address the issue,” he added.
– BERNAMA