SUNGAI PETANI, Aug 29 (Bernama) -- The current haze situation is not affecting preparations of national athletes for the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from Sept 19 to Oct 3, said Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari.
He said appropriate guidelines had been established to ensure that athletes' preparations could continue without disruption while safeguarding their health and well-being.
“We discussed the worsening haze situation at the Cabinet meeting, and haze levels will continue to be closely monitored.
“We are using this as a guide and have also consulted the National Sports Institute (ISN) to ensure that athletes’ preparations are not disrupted while, at the same time, safeguarding their health and well-being,” he said.
He said this when met after taking part in a Merdeka motorcycle convoy held in conjunction with the ‘Sungai Petani Tour with the Youth and Sports Minister’ programme here yesterday.
Mohammed Taufiq said outdoor training activities would be reduced, with more training sessions shifted to indoor facilities.
“For athletes currently undergoing training, we are trying to reduce outdoor sessions and increase indoor training, including at indoor stadiums, halls and other suitable facilities.
“Our priority is to ensure that our athletes’ preparations remain uninterrupted while their health is protected and maintained,” he said.
Meanwhile, he said the motorcycle convoy, which lasted about three hours, began in the Sidam state constituency before heading to Pantai Merdeka and concluding at Bakar Arang.
“Nearly 400 participants took part in the programme, and at every stop, we took the opportunity to engage with members of the local community.
“We also distributed the Jalur Gemilang to further ignite the spirit of patriotism among the people,” he said.
-- BERNAMA