KUALA LUMPUR – All Malaysia League (M-League) matches will kick off as scheduled on Aug 26 but without the presence of spectators, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
“The decision was taken after taking into account the advice from the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the organiser must ensure that all the stipulated guidelines are complied with,” he told the press conference on the development of the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) here today.
It was earlier reported that the Youth and Sports Minister would seek the advice of the MOH and National Security Council (MKN) with regard to holding M-League matches again following a rise in COVID-19 cases in the country of late.
The 2020 M-League, which has been suspended since March 16 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will resume on Aug 26 with both the Super League and Premier League teams back in action. The Malaysia Cup competition, however, will begin on Oct 17.
Meanwhile, commenting on the “Embracing New Norms” campaign, Ismail Sabri said those in the private sector, including retailers and food operators associations as well as non-governmental organisations (NGO), wishing to take part would be allowed to use the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) logo on their campaign posters.
“The private sector and associations are permitted to use the MKN, MOH and PDRM logos for the posters to show the agencies’ support for the campaign but not for business purposes,” he said.
However, he added, that they must first obtain approval from the relevant agencies and refer to the Guidelines for Preparation of Promotional Content for the “Embracing New Norms” Campaign, which would be issued by the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM).
The “Embracing New Norms” campaign was launched by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Aug 8 to encourage the public to protect themselves in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
Commenting on reports about Russia having developed a vaccine for COVID-19, Ismail Sabri said the MOH would study the matter before making a decision on whether to order the vaccine for Malaysians.
“I believe the MOH will study the matter first. Currently, many countries are claiming they have developed a vaccine, but how widespread can it be used, how successful can it be, the MOH will study before ordering any vaccine as it is still too early to make such a decision,” he said.
Two days ago, Russia reportedly claimed that it had succeeded in developing the first vaccine that offers “sustainable immunity” in the treatment against COVID-19.
Meanwhile, when asked when the country’s borders would be reopened, Ismail Sabri said that, so far, Malaysia had not decided to open its borders to foreign tourists based on the current COVID-19 situation in the country.
“Not yet, we do not have a fixed date as to when we will open our borders. We need to see the current situation in other countries and we also need to see how our country is faring, if everything is clear (the COVID-19 situation) then we will decide,” he said.
It was earlier reported that Thailand will not be opening its borders to foreign tourists until next year.
— BERNAMA
