Penang Hill run organisers complied with SOPs, says exco

 Youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi says it is possible the 30km hill runner had underlying health conditions.

Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the 30km runner collapsed after completing the run and was given immediate medical attention. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA:

 The organisers of a hill run in which a participant died of heatstroke – the first such fatality in Penang linked to the current hot spell – have been found to have complied with all established standard operating procedures.

Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the organisers had provided all essential requirements, including sufficient water stations and medical teams along the route on April 26, and had acted promptly when the runner was found to be unwell, Bernama reported.

“The 42-year-old man from Tampin, Negeri Sembilan, successfully completed the 30km category before collapsing. The medical team immediately rushed him to the hospital for treatment, but he later passed away.

“The cause of death was confirmed as heatstroke. It is possible the man had underlying health conditions,” he told a press conference at his office at Komtar today.

Gooi said the SOP compliance is a prerequisite for the approval of any sporting event in the state, particularly regarding the provision of medical teams for emergencies.

“We advise those taking part in sports to remain aware of their health levels, stay hydrated, and avoid pushing themselves beyond their physical limits,” he said.

On a separate matter, Gooi said Penang remains free from monkey malaria (Plasmodium knowlesi) infections despite a spike in cases in Sabah, which had recorded 357 cases in the first four months of this year, resulting in one death.

He also said dengue fever cases have shown a significant downward trend in the state, with a 39% decrease recorded so far compared to the same period last year. - FMT