KUALA LUMPUR― The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) today said that its minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican would discuss and ask the National Security Council (NSC) to allow outdoor sports activities.
The minister will propose “more reasonable approaches” for sporting and recreational activities during the third movement control order (MCO), KBS said in a statement today.
“KBS has always been committed and consistent in bringing the perspective that sports is not only about activities but it also involves the wider ecosystem. The Youth and Sports Minister informed that he will re-raise some KBS proposals regarding more reasonable approaches to the sports and recreation sector during the MCO, which can be reconsidered in the NSC’s special meeting this evening.
“KBS is always with sports fans and enthusiasts when meaning the “Kita Jaga Kita” moto, especially in terms of livelihood and personal safety, away from the spread of the Covid-19 infection. At the same time, the question of fitness is never ruled out,” the statement said.
This reaction came after Perikatan Nasional (PN) government received backlash for its decision to bar outdoor exercise for areas under the MCO.
Health Organisation’s (WHO) Science Council, Dr Adeeba Kamarulzaman also called on the government to allow members of the public to participate in outdoor sports.
“The risk of getting Covid-19 outdoors is about 18 times lower than indoors. Please let the rakyat continue to jog, cycle, play football or any other outdoor sports for the sake of our physical and mental health,” she said.
Netizens have criticised the government move to ban outdoor sporting activities while allowing shopping malls, some bazaars, and train stations activities.-Malaysia World News
