THE government is expected to decide today whether this year’s National Day celebrations should be scaled down or moved to another venue as haze continues to affect several parts of the country.
Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the matter would be decided by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar after discussions with the relevant ministries and agencies.
The discussions will involve the Communications Ministry, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry, Malaysian Meteorological Department, Education Ministry and Health Ministry.
Fahmi said the review would look at the scale and location of the celebrations, as well as steps needed to safeguard the health and safety of those attending and taking part in the event.
He said the authorities would also consider weather forecasts for the next five to six days, including the possibility of worsening haze.
“The Chief Secretary to the Government will hold discussions and subsequently make a decision regarding the scale, venue and necessary measures to be undertaken by organisers,” he said at a press conference here today.
The review comes as air quality worsened in several parts of Malaysia this morning, with 19 areas recording unhealthy Air Pollutant Index (API) readings as of 8 am.
According to the Air Pollutant Index Management System (APIMS), Serian in Sarawak recorded the highest reading at 168, followed by Samarahan at 167 and Kuching at 108.
In Negeri Sembilan, Nilai recorded 162 while Seremban registered 159.
Several areas in Selangor also recorded unhealthy readings, including Johan Setia at 160, Shah Alam at 159, Klang at 152, Banting at 150 and Petaling Jaya at 122.
Putrajaya recorded an API reading of 160, while Batu Muda was the only monitoring station in Kuala Lumpur with an unhealthy reading, at 152.
In Johor, Tangkak recorded 153 while Segamat registered 103. – August 26, 2026
