Plan to allow football fans back in stadiums submitted to NSC, says Ahmad Faizal

KUALA LUMPUR: Football fans could be making a return to stadiums to watch matches again, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

The Youth and Sports Minister said a plan had been sent to the National Security Council to allow football fans to fill stadium terraces once again.

"We are working on the details and have some proposals. Perhaps, we will soon be able to enjoy the Malaysia Cup live.

"However, the reopening has to be done with strict standard operating procedures (SOP). So supporters must ensure they abide by these SOPs.

"This is in line with our motto of 'Reopening Safely'," said Ahmad Faizal at a press conference in Parliament on Tuesday (Sept 21).

The Malaysia Cup tournament is scheduled to begin on Sunday (Sept 26).

Ahmad Faizal had earlier attended the Quartet Ministers' meeting in Parliament, where he presented the ministry's progress since the reopening of gymnasiums and certain indoor sports.

The quartet ministers are Senior Minister (Defence) Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Finance Minister Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz and Communications and Multimedia Minister Tan Sri Annuar Musa.

Hishammuddin said the government's decision to allow sports and recreation activities at indoor venues must be reciprocated with a strict adherence with ventilation requirements.

"Gyms are enclosed indoor places and this increases the risk of Covid-19 transmission if some groups are careless about SOP compliance.

"It needs to be stressed that the government has allowed sports and recreation activities at indoor areas after taking into consideration the people's well-being and state of mental health, as well as the needs of gym operators," said Hishammuddin.