Malaysians on MCO sporting restrictions: Let us keep fit

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have taken to social media to call for certain recreational activities to be allowed in areas under the movement control order.

"Individuals walking, jogging should be allowed in open parks where people can keep a distance from one another, ” said Kumar Gupta on Facebook.

Another - Cik Bedah - suggested hiking, saying that it is "among the few recreational activities" where someone risks being kicked if people are less than a meter apart from each other.

"Hiking enthusiasts will understand," she added.

Some also took to other social media platforms to ask if jogging around their neighbourhood would be allowed.

One such person was @im_adamharriz, who said on Instagram "can't we jog?"

Similarly, @Flo Flo LCt said that sporting activities are important for people to keep healthy.

“They are also important (for us) to mentally survive during (the) MCO but it is not allowed when bazaars can remain open. Someone needs to explain to me, I don't understand the idea, ” he said on Facebook

Additionally, Ernest Rodrigues said on Facebook that that exercises have been proven to strengthen the immune system.

This comes after the Youth and Sports Ministry said on Thursday (May 6) that sports and recreational activities in areas under the MCO will not be allowed for the next two weeks.

The Ministry said the National Security Council (NSC) made the restriction - which covers premises and commercial facilities, public facilities and fields - unless special permission is given.

However, the national training camp under quarantine concept at the National Sports Council and the state sports council will continue.

"The training programme under quarantine concept for Malaysia Football League teams also can continue," it said.

It also said that football matches under the bubble concept can continue without the presence of spectators, and that athletes can travel outside the country for a competition but only with permission from the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Immigration Department.

The MCO will be enforced from May 6 to 17 for six districts in Selangor and from May 7 to 20 in Kuala Lumpur.

This drew a comment on Facebook from Burhanuddin Helmi, who said "so, football players are Covid-proof?"

Similarly, Chan JY also asked " Can't help but wonder - how many cases resulted from these sports and recreational activities?"