KUALA LUMPUR: The government will ensure that standard operating procedures (SOP) for high-risk sports are tightened following the death of a Malaysia Games (Sukma) silat athlete representing Terengganu.
Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Adam Adli Abd Halim said the matter will be further discussed with the state sports council.
"I extend my condolences and sympathy (to the family of the athlete) over the incident. We are still awaiting investigations by the organisers, and the ministry has not placed any blame on any party.
"To ensure that such incidents do not recur, we must ensure that the organisers always adhere to the SOP aligned with the sports council, and the ministry has introduced a safety sports code to create a secure environment.
"We must also take measures to ensure that such incidents do not occur again in the future," he said this in response to a supplementary question from Afnan Hamimi Taib Azamudden (PN-Alor Star).
It was reported that Sukma silat athlete Wan Muhammad Haikal Wan Hussin died after collapsing during a competition at the Taman Coral Height Community Hall.
It is understood that Wan Haikal, 21, collapsed and lost consciousness after being kicked by an opponent.
He was pronounced dead at 1.20am while being treated at Tuanku Jaafar Hospital.