Haze forces cancellation of three sporting events

Pushing on: Hamim (right) joining cyclists for a quick spin at the Malaysia Argo Exposition Park in Serdang.

PETALING JAYA: At least three sporting events have been cancelled due to the haze.

Among them was the Sultan of Selangor Cup clash between Selangor and Singapore which was scheduled for yesterday at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Organising chairman Tan Sri Abdul Karim Munisar said the cancellation of the 14th edition of the annual tournament was due to Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah’s concern.

“Tuanku instructed the cancellation as he is concerned about the health of the players, the students and the public,” he said.

Abdul Karim added that the organising committee had been working closely with the Selangor State Health Department on monitoring the air quality and the decision was made after Shah Alam recorded an API reading of 138 at 5pm yesterday.

He added that next year’s competition would remain in Selangor and the sponsorship from this year would roll over accordingly.

“Local councils that purchased tickets will receive replacements in the same number for next year’s competition without extra cost.

“Spectators who had bought tickets can choose to get replacements for next year’s competition or a refund,” said Abdul Karim.

Also cancelled was the Department of Environment’s (DOE) MTB Eco-ride at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park yesterday.

However, 700 cyclists who had registered for the 25km race, carried on.

Deputy Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Hamim Samuri, who was supposed to flag off the race, said the ministry and DOE had to cancel the event as they did not want to risk the health of the cyclists.

National women’s mountain bike rider Masziyaton Mohd Radzi said she was disappointed but was glad that everyone continued on.

“For me this is part of my training and I am glad we got to finish it.”

The “2015 Batik Fun Walk” starting at the Malaysia Tourism Centre in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, today has also been cancelled.

The walk has been rescheduled for Dec 13 and all participants of the programme had been informed about the postponement.

The Fun Walk involves a 2.3km walk with the participants dressed in batik.