Follow SOP, exercise self-discipline in sports activities - Ahmad Faizal

KUALA LUMPUR: In view of the rise in COVID-19 cases, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has advised all quarters to always observe the standard operating procedure (SOP) and exercise self-discipline when participating in sports and recreational activities.

He said it was important for the public to play their part in curbing the spread of the disease although the Health Ministry and National Security Council (MKN) had issued the SOP.

He confirmed that the MKN had not issued any instruction to tighten the SOP for sports and recreational activities.

"We are all concerned about the rise in COVID-19 cases. If everyone understands how the disease spreads and we take good care of ourselves, surely all sporting activities can proceed uninterrupted.

"If you have symptoms or become casual or close contacts of patients, distance or isolate yourselves to ensure that the disease does not spread. If this is followed, the government will not need to tighten the SOP," he said at a press conference after the ministry's monthly gathering at the National Sports Institute (ISN) here today.

He said if the government were to tighten the SOP, it would affect many sporting events and make it difficult for athletes to participate in major tournaments.

At the gathering, which was held in a hybrid manner, Ahmad Faizal performed the soft launch of ISN Performance Centre (ISN PC), which provides sports science services for a fee.

"I am proud of ISN's achievements, with a world-class facility. I would like to encourage the public, including athletes from outside, to use this facility because it is important to generate income for ISN in the long term," he said.

ISN PC is a high-performance sports centre run on the sports science evidence-based approach, catering to target groups like athletes outside of the National Sports Council programme, international athletes, semi-professionals and sports enthusiasts.

ISN, in a statement, said it provides sports science services like exercise physiology, sports nutrition, sports psychology, physical conditioning, sports performance analysis and sports biomechanics.

-- BERNAMA