Haze: Outdoor events may be moved indoors as 808 hotspots detected in Kalimantan

KOTA KINABALU: Organisers may need to move outdoor events indoors if air quality deteriorates amid the current haze situation, said Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Datuk Seri Arthur Joseph Kurup.

He said the move was important to reduce public exposure to polluted air, particularly when Air Pollutant Index (API) readings reached unhealthy levels.

He said appropriate measures would be taken based on prevailing haze conditions and API readings, in line with the Haze Action Plan and standard operating procedures.

"For example, the Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching was moved indoors to the Borneo Convention Centre, while fireworks were not allowed.

"We will therefore monitor the situation and adjust outdoor events according to the haze conditions," he said.

Arthur was speaking to reporters after the Leadership Session held in conjunction with the 2026/2027 Orientation Week at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Chancellor's Hall here yesterday.

He said conditions remained under control when API readings were in the green or blue categories, classified as good and moderate, respectively.

However, an unhealthy yellow reading would trigger warnings and increased coordination with relevant agencies and ministries.

"If it reaches the red or very unhealthy level, more drastic measures can be taken, including declaring a local emergency, as happened previously in Serian and Kuching before conditions improved," he said.

On the haze situation in Kalimantan, Arthur said Malaysia's offer of assistance to Indonesia to combat forest fires remained available, including aircraft for water-bombing operations and personnel.

He said he had discussed the increase in hotspots in Kalimantan with Indonesia's Environment Minister through face-to-face meetings and phone calls.

"Haze is a transboundary issue, and what happens in one country will affect neighbouring countries," he said.