Politics · Malaysia Bureau
PM's National Day address relocates indoors due to haze concerns
Malaysia's Prime Minister will deliver the National Day address from an indoor venue instead of the historic Dataran Merdeka on August 30, as worsening air quality prompts a last-minute change of plans.
LSN Malaysia ·
KUALA LUMPUR — The Prime Minister's address for National Day 2026 has been relocated from the open-air Dataran Merdeka to the Putra International Convention Centre (PICC), organisers announced on August 27, citing deteriorating haze conditions affecting the capital.
The shift comes as transboundary haze continues to impact air quality across the region, with authorities prioritising public health and safety for the August 30 ceremony. The move represents a significant logistical change for what is traditionally one of Malaysia's most prominent annual state occasions.
While the venue has changed, the significance of the National Day address remains unchanged, with the Prime Minister set to deliver remarks before invited guests at the indoor facility. The PICC, located in Putrajaya, provides adequate capacity and controlled environmental conditions for the event.
The decision reflects growing concerns about air pollution in Southeast Asia, where seasonal haze episodes have become increasingly frequent and severe in recent years. Malaysian authorities have previously adjusted major outdoor events due to poor air quality readings.
No other details regarding the modified ceremony programme were immediately disclosed by officials.