Outdoor personal exercise allowed under tighter MCO

Staying healthy: Outdoor public parks such as this one in Taman Tasik Shah Alam, Selangor, will remain open so that visitors can exercise and enjoy wholesome recreation even during the pandemic.

PUTRAJAYA: The public can continue with their exercise routines as outdoor individual exercise is still allowed under the stricter movement control order starting today.

According to the Youth and Sports Ministry, non-contact sports and outdoor activities like jogging, cycling and exercising remain unaffected by the new restrictions.

“There are no changes to the standard operating procedure on the sports and recreation sector which has been approved by the National Security Council (NSC) for the MCO.

“Non-contact sports and recreation activities conducted individually at an open, outdoor area is limited to jogging, cycling and exercise only, ” said National Youth and Sports Department director-general Datuk Dr Wasitah Mohd Yusof.

She, however, reminded the public to constantly practise Covid-19 preventive measures when they are out exercising.

“The government acknowledges the importance of exercising and keeping fit through activities like jogging and cycling.

“These activities keep us healthy and also boost our immune system.

“However, please adhere to health SOP at all times. Hopefully, we can put an end to this pandemic one day, ” said Wasitah.

SOP dictates that those indulging in the physical activities must keep a distance of at least 1.5m from the next person at all times and these activities can only be done in neighbourhoods within the same district that a person lives in.

Other forms of sporting activities are not allowed during the MCO 3.0 period, scheduled to end on June 7.

The latest round of SOP unveiled last week prescribes shorter operating hours for most businesses and reduced public transport frequency.