T’ganu resume Sukma training with RM500,000 monthly budget

Following the relaxation of conditions by the National Security Council (MKN) on several types of sports to hold training, Terengganu have commenced preparations of their contingent for the Malaysia Games (Sukma) in Johor.

Terengganu State Sports Council (TSSC) director Ahmad Shahrizal Yahaya said athletes would be screened before entering their respective hostels when they start reporting for duty in stages from tomorrow.

He said training would be conducted in accordance with the standard operation procedures (SOP) via “quarantine” camp.

“Sixty judo, netball, sailing and sepak takraw athletes will report at two hostels here. I have told all coaches to stress on compliance with the stipulated SOP such as a maximum of 10 people for indoor training without contact.

“We will also control the movements of the athletes. The journey from the hostels to the training centres and back is only via transportation provided by TSSC.

“They (athletes) cannot go by themselves. We do not want a cluster involving Terengganu athletes.”

In addition, he said all training centres would be sanitised from time to time and the sports equipment would also be cleansed daily before and after use.

Shahrizal said they had paid the allowance of athletes and salary of coaches even though there was no training under the movement control order in the state last year until yesterday, which cost them RM500,000 a month.

It included payment of RM200,000 in allowances to 859 athletes in 28 sports and RM300,000 for the salaries of 84 coaches.

“The payment of allowance and salary will be continued until the end of the year regardless of the situation with the RM500,000 monthly budget. We are serious about looking after the welfare of athletes and coaches,” he added. —