IN view of the current haze situation, Penang may shelve this year’s outdoor Merdeka Day celebrations, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
If the Air Pollutant Index (API) reading enters the unhealthy range or hazardous level readings of 200 and above, Penang, for the first time since 1957, may need to cancel the outdoor celebrations, just three days away.
API readings have hovered between moderate to unhealthy levels in the past few days, as the transboundary haze casts a gloomy outlook for the past few days.
Chow told a press conference he is worried if this condition persists, as the Merdeka parade scheduled in the historic Esplanade grounds may need to be shelved.
"We do not have a big enough indoor facility," said Chow.
The Penang Waterfront Convention Centre (PWCC), is seen to be a suitable site, but it remains to be seen, according to officials.
State executive councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen urged residents here to don face masks when outdoors.
Currently, Gooi, who oversees the public health portfolio, said that there is no advisory to disallow any outdoor activities although the API readings are reflective of the hazy conditions.
Earlier, Chow opened the Penang Carbon Market Forum at the Olive Tree Hotel in Bayan Baru, where he spoke about how the industries in the state can be coaxed into subscribing to the carbon trading regulations.
"It should be voluntary, but we are confident that there would be more buy-in into the need to regulate carbon emissions and to ensure that climate change is well mitigated in Penang," said Chow. - August 27, 2026.
