KUALA TERENGGANU: The state government has cancelled the Mini Mixed Netball Tournament in Jeram, Manir which had gone viral on social media after determining that the event contravened Terengganu's state sports guidelines.
Terengganu Youth, Sports, and Non-Governmental Organisations Development Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said an investigation by the local authority revealed the tournament was privately organised and not managed by any government agency or department.
He added that, consequently, the organisers have been instructed to submit an approval permit to the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) for any future events.
"The state government has taken note of a 'Mini Mixed Netball Tournament' scheduled for October 3 in Jeram, Manir, following a poster that went viral on social media. After receiving public complaints, we referred the matter to the local authority (PBT) to conduct an investigation and contact the tournament organisers directly.
'As the concept of this event contravenes Article 4 (General Guidelines) of the Terengganu State Sports Guidelines, the organisers are not permitted to proceed with the programme unless it is held without mixed participation-meaning it involves only female participants,' he said when contacted on Thursday (Sept 24).
Hishamuddin said while the Terengganu government remains open to the organization of sports activities, all parties must respect and adhere to the established guidelines.
He emphasised that the decision to cancel the event was not intended to prevent the public from engaging in sports or to deny women opportunities to participate in sporting activities; rather, the aim was to ensure that sports development aligns with the religious, cultural, and social values of the Terengganu community.
'We do not intend to dampen the sporting spirit of the people of Terengganu, but sports must be cultivated in a way that incorporates Islamic values and does not violate established regulations,' he said. - Bernama
