GEORGE TOWN, Aug. 27 -- The Penang state government is closely monitoring daily air quality levels before making a final decision on the upcoming Merdeka parade at the Esplanade.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow noted that because the National Day celebrations on Aug 31 are held outdoors, any significant deterioration in haze conditions could jeopardise the event.

"The minister said yesterday that if the situation worsens, the event could be conducted indoors," Chow said during a press conference at his Komtar office today.

However, he admitted that relocating the parade is practically unfeasible.

"Even if we move it to the stadium, it is still out in the open," he added.

The state will rely on the air pollutant index (API) to determine ...