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PENANG tourism players have called on both the federal and state governments to react faster to the current haze situation, which has shrouded much of the country's skyline while causing a spike in respiratory problems.
Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) vice-president Datuk Khoo Boo Lim said that the issue has prolonged well into a month and if it persists, it can ruin tourism, especially as it is the "Visit Malaysia Year 26/27" campaign.
"We have received reports of some cancellations and tourists generally are worried about coming into a region where the air is unhealthy," said Khoo.
He urged the Department of Environment (DoE) to hasten plans for cloud seeding to invoke rain so some relief can be accorded to the air quality in the northern region.
Khoo said that there is a need to speak with clarity and forcefully with the plantation owners, who are causing hotspots in Indonesia and unsettling the region.
"We even have poor visibility and breathing difficulties in states such as Sarawak."
National Tourism Council member Eric R. Sinnaya has called on the state to reduce outdoor activities while also finding new measures to fight air pollution.
It was reported that the entire Penang now has unhealthy air pollutant index readings with measurements above 150.
Authorities recommend that vulnerable groups (children, elderly, and those with respiratory issues) limit prolonged outdoor activities.
School outdoor activities are restricted, and closures or home-based learning (PdPR) may be implemented if the readings go beyond 200.
Meanwhile, state executive councillor Daniel Gooi Zi Sen urged those heading outdoors to wear face masks, with authorities recommending the N95 type.
Gooi said that the Health Ministry has issued a circular to guide people on how to cope with the haze/smog conditions. - September 16, 2026.
