PETALING JAYA: Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu has taken to social media to urge Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin to allow gyms and outdoor sports facilities to reopen after the government recently announced the reopening of cinemas.

       "Cinema opened?? Gym and outdoor sports??

       "Pls YB @Khairykj, there need be wisdom in our decisions," the Youth and Sports Minister tweeted on Wednesday (Sept 8).

       Ahmad Faizal had also tweeted that his ministry had recommended that outdoor sports and gymnasiums should be opened.

       "KBS (Youth and Sports Ministry) had proposed that outdoor sports and gymnasiums open.

       "The power is with the MKN (National Security Council).

       "Hope KKM (Health Ministry) supports," Ahmad said in another tweet.

       He had also raised the issue in an earlier tweet on Wednesday, saying that there may be a need for tighter standard operating procedures (SOPs) to allow for the reopening of outdoor activities and gymnasiums.

       "Many are almost holding their breath.

       "Please @KKMPutrajaya," he said.

       Ahmad Faizal's social media outburst received support from people who also questioned the rationale of reopening cinemas but not outdoor activities and such.

       On Tuesday (Sept 7), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced the opening of entertainment and creative industries for fully vaccinated people in states with Phase One status under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

       Cinemas can open their doors once again to Malaysian moviegoers starting from Thursday (Sept 9).

       However, only those who are fully vaccinated can enter the halls which will be at 50% capacity.