After backlash, govt pledges ‘more reasonable’ proposals on sports, recreation activities

After backlash, govt pledges ‘more reasonable’ proposals on sports, recreation activities

The youth and sports ministry says it understands that sports 'is part of a larger ecosystem'.

The government’s decision to suspend sports and recreational activities in MCO areas has been widely criticised. (Bernama pic)
PETALING JAYA:
The youth and sports ministry will raise “more reasonable” proposals at the National Security Council (MKN) meeting following the backlash on the decision to suspend sports and recreational activities in MCO areas.
Dr Steven Chow.

In a Facebook post, the ministry said it has taken note of feedback on the matter, and understands that sports “is part of a larger ecosystem”.

Yesterday, Federation of Private Medical Practitioners’ Association Malaysia president Dr Steven Chow said the suspension of sports and recreational activities in MCO areas “makes no sense”, while Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii urged Putrajaya to reconsider the move.

Chow asked the government for evidence that exercising in compliance with Covid-19 SOPs in an open area is responsible for the spread of the virus.

Dr Kelvin Yii.

Yii said fitness exercises and non-contact sports could boost people’s immune systems and reduce the risks of Covid-19 infections if performed in adherence to SOPs, adding that Putrajaya should base its decisions on science and data.

All sports and recreational activities in areas placed under MCO this week have been suspended from today.

The ministry, which made the decision at the MKN meeting yesterday, said the suspension included all sports and recreational activities in commercial premises or facilities as well as in public and open areas.

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