Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaacob has explained the rationale behind the different rulings for football tournaments and entertainment events under the conditional movement control order (MCO).
This comes after the government decided that the Malaysia Cup football tournament ought to be postponed but gave the green light for tomorrow’s Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian (ABPBH) entertainment event.
Ismail reiterated at a press conference today that the health authorities were concerned about the risk of Covid-19 transmission in tournaments involving contact sports like football.
Even if held without a live audience, he previously noted that the virus could spread on the field, in the changing rooms or during practice sessions.
He also deemed it unfeasible to request players to don face coverings during a game.
“That’s why under the conditional MCO, football is on the negative list (of prohibited activities),” he added.
Entertainment events like the ABPBH, meanwhile, were allowed under the conditional MCO because strict standard operating procedures (SOP) could be observed.
“The programme is under the creative industry category. Under conditional MCO SOPs, this is allowed [...] there is no issue because SOPs are in place,” he said.
“If there is any breach of the SOPs, the police will take action on the organisers,” Ismail cautioned.
ABPBH is an annual event organised by local vernacular newspaper Berita Harian where fans can vote for their favourite local celebrities to win awards under several categories.
According to its website, organisers have assured that this year’s event has been adapted to comply with live event SOPs which include requirements to restrict crowd size, pre-register guests, record attendance and sanitise the premises.
The event’s grand finale will be held tomorrow at 9pm and broadcasted live on social media platform TikTok. - Mkini
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