DON’T WORRY
SOP to ensure Malaysia athletes’ safety at Asian Games
THE Malaysian contingent for the Indonesia Asian Games on Aug 18Sept 2 will not have to worry about security.
A standard operating procedure (SOP) has been drawn up to ensure their safety.
Sports Minister Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, confirmed this after speaking at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.
It is learnt that the SOP was drawn up following meetings involving the sport ministry, Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and Police.
Folowing recent provocations by Indonesian fans, especially at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-16 Championship in Surabaya last week, several parties, including the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have called for extra security personnel to accompany the Malaysian contingent to the Asian Games.
Last month, the Malaysian football squad also went through a harrowing time when Indonesian fans shouted insults and threw objects at them following a match between Malaysia and Indonesia in the AFF Under-19 Championship.
OCM president, Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria confirmed that no extra security personnel will be deployed for the Asiad, as the situation seems to be under control.
Speaking after attending the AirAsia-BAM National Junior League Selangor state level competition in Kampung Attap, Norza said: “Right now, everything seems to be under control. I have discussed this with Asian Games CDM (Chef de Mission), Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Zabidi, who has spoken to the sports minister.
“Apart from that, we have been in touch with the Games’ organising committee and the Malaysian embassy in Indonesia.
“Everything is under control, so right now, there is no need for us to send any additional security personnel.”
Everything is under control.
OCM president