Malaysia expects three major sporting events to proceed this weekend despite haze affecting several parts of the country, with authorities continuing to monitor air quality and weather conditions.
Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said the Formula One Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon and Le Tour de Langkawi are currently expected to go ahead as scheduled. Final decisions, however, will depend on prevailing conditions and assessments by the Youth and Sports Ministry.
The Formula One event is scheduled for Oct. 2 to 4 at the Sepang International Circuit, while the Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon is set for Oct. 3 and 4. Le Tour de Langkawi is also taking place across several states during the same period.
Fahmi said the Cabinet had discussed the haze situation ahead of the events. Malaysia has also offered assistance to Indonesia to help address fires contributing to the regional haze and is awaiting a response through diplomatic channels.
Air quality has deteriorated in several areas, with officials linking the haze to smoke from clusters of hotspots in Kalimantan and Sumatra. More than 500 hotspots were reported across the two Indonesian regions, according to Malaysia’s Department of Environment.
The conditions are particularly relevant for outdoor events such as cycling and marathon running, where participants can be exposed to haze for extended periods while exercising at high intensity. Organisers of Le Tour de Langkawi have prepared alternative routes in case weather conditions, including haze or flooding, disrupt the race. Any changes would be made in accordance with Union Cycliste Internationale regulations.
Malaysia has previously cancelled major outdoor sporting events because of haze concerns. The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon, for example, was cancelled in 2015 amid concerns over air quality and participant safety.
For now, officials are taking a day-to-day approach as weather conditions and air quality continue to change. The three major events remain scheduled, but authorities will assess whether conditions are safe enough for athletes, spectators and event personnel before making any changes.
