Reopen fitness, sports facilities for the fully vaccinated, urges Radhakrishnan

KUALA LUMPUR − Datuk V. Radhakrishnan, a member of the Youth and Sports Ministry Panel of Experts Committee, has urged the government to reopen fitness and sports facilities for fully-vaccinated individuals.

Radhakrishnan said such a move was needed for the sake of the public’s physical and mental health, as well as to help curb unemployment issues. 

He was commenting on the government's announcement yesterday that 11 sectors, including business sectors as well as mall retail shops, would be reopened, including sports equipment shops.

Radhakrishnan, who is also president of the National Sports & Fitness Venue Owners and Operators Association (NSFVOOA), said the announcement was a great relief for those involved in the sports business industry due to the changing tides.

“It is a great relief for us after being affected since Movement Control Order 1, 2, 3 and so on.  

“I would also suggest that the government look into opening up these sectors for fully-vaccinated individuals who want to use these facilities for fitness purposes as well as making sure the workers are also fully vaccinated,” he said in a video clip shared with the media.

Radhakrishnan also noted that sports and fitness centres, such as local gyms, badminton and futsal courts and other fitness facilities, should also be opened as they were also important in helping the public maintain their health and fitness. 

“Without these types of facilities being opened, the fitness and sports venues businesses will continue to be affected due to the prolonged closure and not having patrons using these facilities, which make up 80 per cent of the business,” he said. 

He said that even though the government had agreed to let the public continue exercising by running (jogging) and cycling, this decision alone would not help the majority of the sports industry that relied on the public using gyms and sports venues.

Radhakrishnan also said the NSFVOOA found that about 100 gyms, and potentially many more, might have to close down, adding that this would lead to an increase in unemployment.

“We have the football league (Malaysia League) going on, with 22 players on the field, and there is no issue about it.

“As far as I know, so far, there has been no clusters arising from sports venues at all or the fitness centres... we have no records on that, so it’s a very safe and healthy industry,” he added. – Bernama, August 17, 2021