KUCHING: Major events in Sarawak have been postponed over the next two weeks as a precautionary measure amid the current haze, particularly to protect vulnerable groups from potential health risks.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the decision was made to avoid potential health problems, especially among those with asthma, as the government continued to monitor the situation.
“This is especially because those who are asthmatic may be at greater risk in this type of weather. We want to avoid problems. We can postpone the events, and we have postponed all of them.
“We will see how the situation develops over the next one or two weeks,” he told reporters after the launch of AI for Makers in conjunction with the Borneo Makers Festival 2026 at TEGAS Digital Village here today (Aug 23).
He said the affected programmes included the National Day celebrations, Maulidur Rasul and Sarawakku Sayang Programme.
On whether the Malaysia Day celebration scheduled for Sept 16 would proceed, Abang Johari said the state government would assess the situation closer to the date.
“Hopefully. It is on September 16. We will look at the situation,” he said.
Abang Johari also said he had informed Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim during their meeting in Brunei on the haze situation in the state.
He said the haze situation was mainly affecting the southern part of the region, while Brunei and northern areas were not similarly affected.
On the possibility of increased electricity consumption due to the hot weather and the 10 per cent electricity discount offered by Sarawak Energy Berhad until December, Abang Johari said there would be no significant financial implications for the State.
“Not really. But my advice is to be careful, especially when it comes to health. You can buy energy, but you cannot buy health,” he said.
