Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching goes ahead despite haze, N95 masks advised for outdoor attendees

Fahmi speaking to reporters after launching the Malaysia Day 2026 exhibition at Plaza Merdeka here on Sept 14, 2026.

By Amanda L

KUCHING, Sept 14: This year’s Malaysia Day celebration in Kuching will proceed as planned despite the current haze with people planning to attend advised to wear N95 masks if they expect to spend long periods outdoors.

Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the advice was in line with the recommendation from the Ministry of Health (MOH), particularly if the haze remains at its current level.

“We do not prohibit (attendance), and we advise (people) to wear N95 masks,” he told reporters after launching the Malaysia Day 2026 exhibition at Plaza Merdeka here today.

He said a similar precaution was taken during the National Day celebration in Putrajaya, where face masks were provided to parade participants following advice from the MOH.

“For those who want to attend, to watch and witness, if the haze remains as it is now, I also extend the advice to wear a face mask,” Fahmi said.

The Hari Malaysia celebration will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Sept 16, with the event to be attended by Sarawak Governor (TYT), Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. The leaders also expected to take part in a symbolic joint signing ceremony.

Fahmi said several cultural performances had been lined up for the celebration with Dayang Nurfaizah, Stacy and Faizal Tahir performing to represent Sarawak, Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia respectively.

Besides that, a fireworks display would be held at the Kuching Waterfront at the end of the programme, offering another attraction for members of the public who wish to join the celebrations there. — DayakDaily