KUALA LUMPUR – Unhappy with the National Security Council’s (NSC) decision to impose a blanket ban on all sports and recreational activities, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican has vowed to fight to reverse that decision.
Reezal said he will raise the matter during the council meeting this evening.
“Today I’m going to forward (the ministry’s proposal) to the NSC again to allow outdoor, non-contact and individual sporting activities, just like during MCO 1.0 and 2.0 previously.
“I’m not happy (with the decision). I’ll definitely fight today,” he told The Vibes.
Reezal was commenting on brickbats from various quarters over the decision to ban all sports and recreational activities in areas under the movement control order (MCO).
The Youth and Sports Ministry had announced yesterday that such activities will not be allowed for the next two weeks, following a decision by the NSC, which covers premises and commercial facilities, public facilities and fields.
Among others, infectious diseases professor Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman said such activities are safe during the pandemic, noting that the risk of being infected outdoors is 18 times lower than indoors.
Subang Jaya rep Michelle Ng said the barring of outdoor activities to prevent Covid-19 was “unscientific”.
In a separate statement, the ministry said it has taken note of the feedback given by various quarters on the standard operating procedures for these activities.
It also confirmed that Reezal will be raising this issue, along with several other suggestions, in this evening’s NSC meeting for them to be reviewed.
“The ministry remains committed and consistent that sports not only is an activity, but also involves a broader ecosystem.
“We are always together with sports enthusiasts and fans in giving meaning to ‘Kita Jaga Kita’, especially on the question of livelihoods and safety concerning Covid-19.
“At the same time, the issue of public fitness will not be ignored,” it said. – The Vibes, May 7, 2021
Additional reporting by T. Vignesh
