Detailed SOP in place for athletes' safety - Reezal

KUALA LUMPUR: Detailed measures have been taken by the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) and other stakeholders involved to ensure the safety and security of the national contingent departing for the Tokyo Olympics.

Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican said Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) had put strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in place to protect the athletes from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conducting a survey at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) today, Reezal Merican said the implementation of the safe bubble was thorough, and took into account various aspects from the athletes' arrival at KLIA, right up till the plane cabin.

According to Reezal Merican, it is a continuation of the sports bubble SOP for athletes who will compete in the Tokyo Olympics from July 23 to August 8.

"I think the measures taken by MAG and MAHB are very detailed. Hopefully, this will give confidence to our athletes who are set to compete in Tokyo," he said in a video message today.

The sailing team was the first to depart following the safety protocol on July 8, while the next batch leaves on July 17.

-- BERNAMA