Exhibition Hall A at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) was temporarily closed at 4:50 pm on August 29, 2026, after smoke and an unpleasant odor were detected during MAHA 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Authorities ordered an immediate evacuation of the hall to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors and exhibitors, following the event’s Safety Standard Operating Procedures [1, 2, 3].
The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) was dispatched to carry out precautionary checks [2, 4]. Inspections by JBPM and the site security team confirmed no ongoing safety threats or structural damage from the incident [1, 3]. The MAHA 2026 Organising Committee stated, "The technical incident was resolved without any structural implications. No injuries, medical emergencies, or fatalities were reported. Exhibition Hall A has been certified safe and reopened for visitors with immediate effect" [3].
Officials advised calm evacuation when the incident occurred. A statement on the Expo MAHA 2026 Facebook page said, "To ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, members of the public and exhibitors in Hall A are advised to calmly evacuate the hall with immediate effect until further notice" [2]. Organisers thanked the public and exhibitors for their patience and cooperation, noting, "We take this matter seriously and greatly appreciate your cooperation and patience. Further updates will be provided from time to time" [4].
MAHA 2026 runs at MAEPS from August 28 to September 6, 2026. The event features around 2,000 exhibitors and expects over four million visitors [1, 2, 3, 4]. Following clearance from safety authorities, Exhibition Hall A reopened to visitors later the same afternoon on August 29 [1, 3].
