PUTRAJAYA, Sept 30 — The government expects the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, Le Tour de Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon to proceed this weekend despite haze affecting several parts of the country, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said today.

He said the haze situation was being monitored on a day-to-day basis, with the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) expected to make decisions on the events based on prevailing conditions.

“For now, the government expects the three major events — LTdL, F1 and the Standard Chartered Marathon — to continue,” he said during a press conference here.

Fahmi said the Cabinet had also discussed the haze situation ahead of the three major sporting events, while Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had raised the issue during his recent meeting with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.

He said Malaysia had also offered assets to Indonesia to help the country tackle fires contributing to the regional haze.

“We hope the haze can be controlled. From day to day there has been some rain, but at the same time KBS (Ministry of Youth and Sports) will make the decision,” he said.

Fahmi said Malaysia would continue to follow official channels in dealing with Indonesia on the haze issue, including through the Foreign Ministry.

He said Malaysia was still awaiting a response to a note sent through Wisma Putra concerning the issue.

The three major sporting events are scheduled to take place this weekend, with the Formula One race at the Sepang International Circuit, LTdL stages taking place in several states and the Standard Chartered Marathon in Kuala Lumpur.

The haze has pushed air quality into the unhealthy range in several parts of the country, raising concerns over athletes, spectators and event personnel taking part in prolonged outdoor activities.