By Amanda L
KUCHING, Aug 23: Sarawak is expected to reassess its decision on postponed major events around Sept 16, depending on the haze situation, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg says.
Speaking to reporters after the launch of AI for Makers: Borneo Makers Festival 2026 here today, he said the State would monitor conditions over the next one to two weeks before deciding whether the affected events could proceed.
Among the events postponed amid the current haze are the state-level National Day celebrations, Maulidur Rasul celebrations and Sarawak Fest.
“National Day, we postponed; Maulidur Rasul, we postponed; Sarawak Fest, I also postponed. We postpone for a week or two,” he said.
He explained that the decision was driven by health concerns, particularly for people with asthma, as exposure to unhealthy air could worsen their condition.
With Sept 16 approaching, the Premier indicated that the situation could be reviewed around Malaysia Day, depending on how the haze develops.
“I’ve told the Prime Minister yesterday in Brunei that haze is a problem in Sarawak now,” he said.
Abang Johari also stressed that health must take precedence over other considerations amid the hot weather and haze.
The postponements come as several areas in Sarawak continue to record unhealthy air quality.
On Aug 22, 11 monitoring locations recorded unhealthy readings, according to the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), which advised the public to postpone outdoor activities and events involving large crowds.
The committee said the measures were precautionary and intended to reduce public exposure to unhealthy air quality, while monitoring would continue based on the latest conditions. — DayakDaily
