All Sports Events During Haze Must Comply With Gov't Guidelines - Taufiq

GEORGE TOWN, Sept 6 (Bernama) -- The government has mandated that all sports events during the current haze comply with established guidelines to safeguard the health and safety of athletes.

Youth and Sports Minister Dr. Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry is continuously monitoring the Air Pollutant Index (API) based on reports from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability and relevant agencies.

He said athletes training outdoors must follow the established guidelines to prevent any untoward incidents, especially when API readings reach unhealthy levels.

"The ministry is also in regular communication with the National Sports Institute and National Sports Council to ensure athletes remain in good health, particularly with the Asian Games fast approaching.

"Our athletes are now in intensive training, and we want to make sure those training outdoors follow the guidelines set in place to avoid any undesirable incidents," he told reporters after attending the Flag-Off Ceremony for the Oregon Tower Run Series at The TOP Atrium today.

Earlier, Dr. Mohammed Taufiq took part in the tower run event, reaching the 22nd floor in 6 minutes and 30 seconds. A total of 343 participants competed in the main event up to the 68th floor of The TOP Komtar.

Commenting on the situation in Serian, Sarawak, which has recorded hazardous API readings, he said any outdoor activities in red-zone areas would not be permitted.

However, sports activities may continue in areas with low API readings at safe or moderate levels.

He added that any proposed sports events would also require approval from the ministry, with decisions based on government guidelines and each area’s API status. 

On Thursday, the King, His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, consented to a state of emergency to be declared throughout the Serian division, following hazy conditions hazardous to public health and safety.

-- BERNAMA