Only non-contact sports like jogging, cycling allowed in Penang during MCO, says state govt

GEORGE TOWN: Sports and recreational activities without physical contact are allowed in Penang during the movement control order, says the state government.

State youth and sports committee chairman Soon Lip Chee (pic) said however that the activities are restricted to only jogging, cycling and exercising.

He said people must maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5m and the activities can only be conducted in neighbourhoods within the same district.

“Group activities are strictly not allowed.

“Quarantine-based group training programme implemented by the National Sports Council and Penang State Sports Council under the camp based training method is allowed.

“Quarantine-centered group training programmes for teams in the Malaysian Football League can be carried out using the sports bubble model by having home or camp based training.

“Organising tournaments or competitions or friendly matches according to the sports bubble model are restricted for the football league only, without the presence of an audience.

“Participation of Malaysian players or participants or officials or technical team to the overseas tournaments and competitions must be done with the support of the Youth and Sports Ministry and the permission of the Immigration Department,” he said in a statement on Sunday (May 9).

Soon added that based on the latest announcement by the National Security Council (NSC) and the Youth and Sports Ministry, the state government had decided that the Penang City Park, Relau Metropolitan Park and Taman Jajar public park under the supervision of the Penang Island City Council and the Botanical Gardens under the supervision of the Botanical Gardens Department will be open to the public to carry out sports and recreational activities in accordance to the standard operating procedures (SOPs).

“However, the other recreational parks and facilities under the local authorities, Penang Stadium and Open Area Corporation and Penang Water Supply Corporation will not be open during the MCO.

“The operation of sports facilities or premises for sports and recreational activity is restricted to management and maintenance only.

“All indoor sports activities are not allowed including gyms and badminton courts among others,” he said.

Meanwhile, Soon said spectators or sports fans are not allowed at stadiums and other venues.