JOHOR BARU: The Youth and Sports Ministry does not rule out the possibility of holding the Malaysian Games (Sukma) in Johor without having spectators due to Covid-19.

       Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu said taking the example of the recently concluded Olympic Games in Tokyo, among other aspects being taken into consideration includes the involvement of young athletes under the age of 17 who are currently not yet vaccinated.

       “Bear in mind, Sukma will involve athletes that are 17 years and below as the games are the best place for us to unearth new talents.

       “We have to think of the best way in organising it to ensure the safety and health aspects of these athletes,” he added.

       Ahmad Faizal said this when met after conducting a visit to the OKU Sentral drive-through vaccination centre (PPV) at the Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) Aquatic Centre at Arena Larkin here on Wednesday (Sept 8).

       He cited the cancellation of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) President Cup and Youth Cup competition this year, which was announced last week, where he described it as a responsible decision.

       “Many are unhappy following the cancellation but this is a responsible decision where, number one, it will be difficult for us to control the players, which the number is too huge for each squad, in managing or having a bubble.

       “Second, most of these players are not vaccinated so it is our responsibility to ensure their health safely, then the FAM made the responsible decision. It will be the same (priorities) for Sukma,” he added.

       On holding Sukma in Johor, which is supposed to take place early this year, Ahmad Faizal said he had no objection and would discuss it with state tourism, youth and sports committee chairman Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi in a meeting later on Wednesday.

       “I see the preparations made by Johor are very thorough. All the venues have been completed, in fact, I see the maintenance of these venues is done well and I believe the state is ready.

       “But I will be discussing it with Onn Hafiz on the best way for Sukma to move forward next year,” he said.

       During the state assembly meeting, which ended on Tuesday (Sept 7), Onn Hafiz said Johor was still waiting for the decision on whether Sukma 2020, which has been cancelled due to Covid-19, would be held next year.

       He added that the matter would be decided during the Sukma organising committee meeting held soon.

       Sukma Johor 2020 was postponed to March 6 to March 14 this year while Para Sukma is from April 5 to April 10, had to be cancelled following a spike in Covid-19 cases.