Swimming pools to reopen June 25, but for training only, says Ismail Sabri

PETALING JAYA: The government has agreed to allow swimming pools to reopen next Thursday (June 25) but for training purposes only, says Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

"The Youth and Sports Ministry made the proposal to allow the pools to reopen for training that does not involve non-contact training.

"This includes diving and scheduled training sessions," he said in his regular briefing here on Friday (June 19).

He said the move will allow national and state athletes, including those training under swimming academies and clubs, to resume training, which must be done at standard sized pools and those meant for competition purposes.

Ismail added that pool operators must adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) on social distancing including limiting pool capacity.

He said pool operators must also register a notification that they are reopening their pools with the International Trade and Industry Ministry's website at notification.miti.gov.my.

On private pools at hotels, gated residences, apartments and condominiums, Ismail said the government has agreed to allow them to reopen but has yet to make an announcement on the date pending finalisation of the SOPs for them.

Meanwhile, he said there were still some pubs, karaoke joints, reflexology and massage centres which had reopened despite being under the prohibited list of activities,

He said action has been taken against five karaoke centres, 25 pubs and 10 reflexology and massage centres since Wednesday (June 18).