Non-contact sports are allowed - KBS

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 19 -- All sports and recreational activities which do not involve contact in both open area and indoor for training, health, fitness and skills will now be allowed in areas under Movement Control Order (MCO) by observing physical distancing of between one to three metres starting today.

The holding of tournaments, competition or friendly matches according to sports bubble model is limited to the organising the Malaysia Football League (M-League), Hockey League, (MHL) and Sepak Takraw League (STL) without the presence of spectators or supporters.

Apart from that, many relaxations were given in areas under Conditional MCO (CMCO) and Recovery MCO (RMCO) such as team sports as well as organising local competition according to the sports bubble model approved by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS).

KBS in a statement said the Special National Security Council (MKN) Meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today agreed with the application of the ministry to relax restrictions in the sports and recreational sector.

However, KBS stressed that all standard operating procedures (SOP) and general protocol issued is subject to the gazetted regulations under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988, regulations relating to MCO, CMCO and RMCO by the Health Ministry and MKN from time to time.

Youth and Sport Minister, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican also reminded all industry practitioners and players to comply with the SOP set to ensure the sports and recreational sector continued to enjoy confidence and trust of the government to ensure the survival of the sports industry as a whole.

"In line with the announcement, KBS has updated and improved the existing SOPs in the sports and recreation sector as guidance and compliance by all parties involved," he said.

Further and up-to-date information on the SOP can be obtained on the KBS website via the link http://www.kbs.gov.my/sopsukanrekreasi.

-- BERNAMA