ASAJAYA: The decision on whether a programme should continue, be postponed or cancelled during haze conditions must be made based on the risk assessment, air pollution levels and the actual conditions at the location of the event.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the safety and health of participants must always be a priority, but the approach taken must be appropriate to the local situation and the type of programme being organised.

"If the event is held in a hall, go ahead, but if the event is in a field and so on, the organising authority feels it can cause harm, they can use certain discretion," he said when met at a programme in Kampung Tambirat, here on Tuesday.

He added that programmes held indoors can be considered for continuation provided suitable environmental conditions, while activities in open areas require more careful consideration from the health and safety aspects of the participants.

The Asajaya Assemblyman added that decisions regarding organising programmes do not necessarily have to be made comprehensively as haze conditions can vary by location and change from time to time depending on weather factors and wind movement.

At the same time, he said many community programmes were planned in advance and involved various commitments from the organisers, including logistical, financial and local community participation aspects.

In this regard, Dato Sri Abdul Karim expressed belief that a targeted approach that takes into account the level of risk and the actual conditions at the location was more appropriate to ensure a balance between the smooth running of the programme and public safety aspects.

According to him, the measure allows high-risk activities in open areas to be re-evaluated or adjusted according to needs, while indoor programmes can continue if they do not affect the health of participants. -UKASnews