KUCHING, July 13: Four men were fined RM2,000 each for playing badminton at a sports facility at Lorong Foochow 11Y, Tabuan Jaya here yesterday in violation of the restrictions in place under the current Movement Control Order (MCO).
Kuching Police District Chief Ahsmon Bajah, in a statement today, disclosed that the badminton court organiser and supervisor was also fined RM10,000 for flouting the MCO standard operating procedures (SOP).
“A team from the Tabuan Jaya Police Station had carried out an enforcement patrol at about 7.45pm for Zone 3 which covered areas under the police station’s jurisdiction.
“During an inspection of the sports facility at Lorong Foochow 11Y, we discovered five men flouting the MCO SOPs for playing badminton; an activity that is not permitted during this time,” he said.
Ashmon emphasised that the police together with other agency partners will continue to step up law enforcement and checks to facilitate the government in successfully transitioning from one phase to the next of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
Under Phase 1 of the NRP enforced since May 29, all sports as well as leisure and recreational activities are not permitted, except for jogging and light exercises within one’s neighbourhood.
Gyms, workout studios, sports facilities including swimming pools are not allowed to operate.
However, Sarawak will be transitioning into NRP Phase 2 starting tomorrow where certain restrictions will be eased including public recreational and sports activities.
From July 14 onwards, non-contact sports such as jogging, cycling, golf, light exercises and other similar activities will be allowed.
Individual and team sports activities for the purpose of training, matches, tournaments and competitions, both indoor and outdoor, will be allowed but subjected to SOPs issued by the Ministry of Youths and Sports. — DayakDaily
