KOTA KINABALU, Sept 11 — The Sabah-level Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16 would be moved to the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) due to haze.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the change of venue was made to ensure the celebration could proceed as planned.

“We have decided to move the celebration to SICC due to the haze affecting the State and the country.

“The matter has been agreed upon by the State Cabinet.

As one of Sabah's key business and trade platforms, SIE2026 has attracted participation from 15 countries and features 300 exhibition booths, with approximately 35 per cent involving international exhibitors.

“The celebration will begin at 8pm and will take place simultaneously with the national-level celebration in Kuching, Sarawak. Various exciting activities have been planned to enliven the celebration.

“Among them are dance performances, a Malaysia Madani presentation montage and entertainment by local artistes,” Jafry said after paying a courtesy call on Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Musa Aman at Istana Seri Kinabalu.

The courtesy call was to seek Tun Musa’s consent to attend the Sabah-level Malaysia Day celebration.

Meanwhile, Jafry said Malaysia Day celebrations are being held by several agencies, particularly the State Archives.

“The celebration organised by the State Archives is ongoing and will end this Friday.

“The State Archives is holding an exhibition on the history of Malaysia Day,” he said.

He invited the public, particularly Kota Kinabalu residents and those in nearby areas, to attend and enliven the Malaysia Day celebration on Sept 16. — Daily Express