Penang keeps close eye on haze situation before final decision on Merdeka parade

GEORGE TOWN, Aug 27 — The Penang state government is closely monitoring daily air quality levels before making a final decision on the upcoming Merdeka parade at the Esplanade.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that because the National Day celebrations on Aug 31 are held outdoors, any significant deterioration in haze conditions could jeopardise the event.

“The minister said yesterday that if the situation worsens, the event could be conducted indoors,” Chow said during a press conference at his Komtar office today.

However, he admitted that relocating the parade is practically unfeasible.

“Even if we move it to the stadium, it is still out in the open,” he added.

The state will rely on the air pollutant index (API) to determine the viability of the parade. Chow said that if readings hit 200 API or above, the government would likely cancel the proceedings.

“But it is still a few days away. We will monitor it closely,” he said, adding that no definitive decision has been made yet.

The urgency comes as API readings in Penang have fluctuated between moderate and unhealthy levels (50 to 160) over the past few days.

Parallel to the event planning, Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi confirmed that the state health department is on high alert for any spike in respiratory-related illnesses.

“But so far, in the state of Penang, everything is still under control,” Gooi said.

He noted that there has been no sudden surge in such cases, but said all public healthcare facilities have still been placed on standby.

“We encourage the public, should you suffer any respiratory-related symptoms, feel free to attend any of our healthcare facilities to seek treatment,” he said.