There was joy on the faces of the athletes when several family members visited them at the National Sports Council complex, while complying with physical distancing rules.

The athletes had isolated themselves since joining the final phase of training from April 24, prior to leaving for Hanoi, Vietnam.

Sports minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu hoped that the relaxation given would further fuel the athletes’ spirit and determination to make Malaysia proud at the biennial Games from May 12-23.

“There was a very good response from the athletes and family members who were present,” he told reporters after the Aidilfitri reception with the Malaysian contingent.

He said the national SEA Games team were all pumped up to do their best. “I hope all Malaysians will give our athletes their full support and pray that they stay injury-free,” he said.

A parent, Abdul Halim Abdul Aziz, 55, visited his son-in-law Mohd Taqiwuddin Hamid, a silat exponent, and hoped he would do his best in the silat ganda event. Taqiwuddin will be competing in his fifth SEA Games.

Malaysia will be represented by about 580 athletes in 338 events from 37 sports at the games. The team’s target is to obtain a 36-35-75 medal haul.