Sarawak sports tournaments re-open for spectators, but hugging not allowed

Keutamaan juga harus diberikan kepada kakitangan di Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (PDK) dan Early Intervention Centre (EIP). Foto Fail

By Ling Hui

KUCHING, April 8: Close social contact such as hugging is still prohibited, although sports tournaments in Sarawak are now open for spectator seating with a maximum of 2,000 individuals at any one time.

The announcement was made by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah during a press conference at a local hotel here today.

He said for areas under the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), which currently applies to all of Sarawak, the number of spectators at any sports venues is not allowed to exceed 2,000 individuals.

“Meaning if the venue capacity is 20,000, only 2,000 are allowed. And if the capacity is 40,000, 10 per cent of that would be 4,000, but only 2,000 individuals are allowed.

“So, 2,000 will be the maximum number, and this is effective starting today,” he said, adding that the same regulation has been implemented in Peninsula Malaysia since April 1.

Abdul Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, reminded the public to continue observing the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs) when watching any tournaments despite the allowance.

“So, if there are any competition now, members of the public are allowed to enter up to a maximum of 2,000 (or 10 per cent venue capacity).

“But of course, there are still SOPs. Not all gates are opened, there must be some kind of entry and exit points, and for the seatings, SOPs must be complied with.

“It does not mean that when watching the tournaments, you can be hugging each other, you can’t do that,” he said. — DayakDaily