GEORGE TOWN: Penang may call off the state-level National Day parade at Padang Kota Lama on Aug 31 if the haze situation worsens, says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
Chow said the state government would closely monitor the air quality over the next few days before deciding whether to proceed with the open-air event.
“This is a pressing concern since the parade is conducted in the open.
“In the case of Penang, it is not feasible to have it indoors.
“If the API (Air Pollutant Index) reaches 200 and above, it is better not to continue with the event,” he told a press conference yesterday.
However, Chow said no decision had been finalised as the parade is still several days away and that they would monitor the situation closely.
He added that shifting the parade to a stadium would not be a practical solution as it would still be an open-air venue.
All four Environment Department air monitoring stations in Penang recorded moderate API readings as of 2.30pm yesterday with Balik Pulau at 75, Gelugor at 78, Seberang Jaya at 73 and Simpang Ampat at 83.
An API reading of 51 to 100 is classified as moderate while readings of 101 to 200 are considered unhealthy.
