The government's decision to reopen commercial indoor and outdoor sports facilities, beginning today, is a relief to the sport industry which has been greatly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
National Sports and Fitness Venue Owners and Operators Association (NSFVOOA) president Datuk V. Radhakrishnan said sports centres were not the only ones affected but also the livelihoods of the support staff in the industry.
The vaccinated public are now allowed to use the outdoor and indoor facilities.
Radhakrishnan said the public are now finally able to return to an active lifestyle.
"It's a very encouraging announcement for the sports and fitness industry which has been a catalyst in creating future sportsmen.
"Reopening the commercial indoor and outdoor centres is a big relief for the public who can return to a healthy lifestyle," said Radhakrishnan.
"Fitness and physical well-being is crucial for a healthy lifestyle, and the public can start enjoying their respective sporting activities.
"NSFVOOA have been lobbying for the reopening of the centres as we firmly believe that fitness is part of the solution in Malaysia's long-term fight against not just Covid-19.
"The reopening will give the operators breathing space while unemployment in the industry can be reduced.
"There are more than 1,000 centres around the nation and operators mostly rent the premises to run their activities.
"They have been suffering loss of income but continued to pay rental despite no activities.
"The public may initially be
apprehensive to return to sports centres but this is a good start.
"There is light at the end of the tunnel for the operators and the support staff who are dependent on the industry."
Radhakrishnan said their next objective is to urge the Sports Ministry to push for the reopening of multi-purpose gyms where fitness training and weight training programmes are conducted.
"The sad part is that the gyms will remain closed and we have made a request to the Sports Minister to push for the opening of the gyms soon," added Radhakrishnan.
"Gyms can operate with strict standard operating procedures. The public should make an appointment to use the facilities, and the gyms must operate at 50 per cent capacity.
"No shower and usage of the changing rooms should be entertained. They should leave once their session is done."
