Running into trouble

The organiser of the Klang City International Marathon 2017 faces action because it did not have approval from the Sports Commissioner’s Office – which, by law, is the main authority when it comes to sporting events. Meanwhile, Evelyn Ang, who was hit by a car during the run, remains unconscious after undergoing surgery.

SUNGAI BULOH: The Sports Commissioner’s Office will lodge a police report against the organiser of the Klang City International Marathon today for failing to obtain proper licences to hold the event, said Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

So far, only one police report has been lodged after three participants were hit by a car during the marathon on Sunday.

Khairy said the organiser should have obtained the green light from the office before seeking approval from the police and local councils, as stated under the Sports Development Act 1997.

“This is an offence under the Act. If found guilty, they can be fined or imprisoned,” he said after visiting one of the victims, Evelyn Ang, at the Sungai Buloh Hospital yesterday with sports commissioner Datuk Zaiton Othman.

Ang is still unconscious but stable after undergoing an operation to remove a blood clot in her head.

“We are still waiting for the prognosis on her follow-up treatment.

“I met her husband Dennis Loo and told him we will expedite the investigation,” Khairy added.

Ang, 44, an avid runner, suffered severe head injuries.

The three runners were hit at around 4.30am along Jalan Kapar Batu 2, at the 14km mark of the run.

Amiruddin Hamid, 37, and Ahmad Hadafi Jus, 42, suffered injuries which were not as severe.

Amiruddin is warded at Klang Hospital while Ahmad Hadafi was given outpatient treatment.

Khairy also urged authorities such as the police and local councils to check with the Sports Commissioner’s Office to find out whether the race organisers have obtained its approval before giving their own.

“The law clearly states that the Sports Commissioner’s Office is the authority to monitor sports events,” he added.

Khairy said the ministry is also looking at long-term measures such as amending the Act and increasing the fine and jail term for offenders.

Among the proposed measures is increasing the fine from RM5,000 to RM500,000, and imposing a longer jail term than the current maximum of six months.

Anxious moment: Evelyn Ang’s husband Dennis Loo waiting for news of his wife’s condition outside the intensive care unit of Sungai Buloh Hospital.

Hoping for the best: Khairy speaking to Loo (white shirt) and Ang’s brother, Arthur (left) outside the Sungai Buloh Hospital intensive care unit.