KUALA LUMPUR: News that more restrictions will be eased for sports activities following the proposal by the government to allow full training and tournaments for team sports is welcome news for sportsmen and those involved in sporting events.
Felda United head coach Nidzam Jamil said the news had been much anticipated by footballers.
"If contact sports is allowed to continue, it will be great for us in (the) football (fraternity).
"I think footballers have educated themselves well to follow the standard operating procedures.
"As a coach, I will make sure we abide by the guidelines."
He said if stadiums were permitted to allow in 10 per cent of fans, football associations would have SOP in place for the purpose.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday said the proposal would be presented by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican to the special ministerial meeting on the Movement Control Order (MCO) next week.
Melaka United team manager Muhammad Akram Abdullah said the team was ready for the Malaysia Super League to restart.
"We have completed our preparations and are waiting for the authorities to announce it officially.
"A high-intensity sport such as football requires contact training and we look forward to the green-light from the government.
"If we have to play in an empty stadium, it's not an issue because at least we get to complete the Super League this season instead of it being cancelled."
Police head coach Ishak Kunju said he was looking forward to seeing the return of the M-League.
"I'm not the only one who feels this way, in fact, all the coaches and players in the league can't wait for the competition to continue.
"I think many places have been given 'leniency' and if stadiums are allowed to fill one third of the space with fans, it would lift the spirit of the teams and generate income for them.
"Many of the teams were financially crippled during the Covid-19 pandemic," he said, adding that the football teams were ready to follow the SOP set by the authorities. The Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) said it was ready to host the Razak Cup from Sept 18 to 26 and hoped to see audiences returning to the stadiums.
MHC believed that at least 30 people from each team should be allowed to watch and cheer.
"Our first tournament at the end of the Recovery Movement Control Order on Aug 31 will be the Razak Cup.
"We are of the opinion that at least 30 supporters from both teams should be allowed in," said MHC Competitions Committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh.
"As all the state hockey stadiums are huge, not only 1m but 5m distancing rule can be easily implemented."
With the Razak Cup being one of the oldest hockey tournaments in Malaysia, Anil Jeet felt that to host it in an empty stadium would do injustice to the competition.
Petronas Sprinta Racing Moto2 rider Khairul Idham Pawi said he looked forward to returning to the circuit, albeit without spectators at the Sepang Circuit.
The fate of the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, however, is still in the balance as a decision on the race is expected to be made by the end of the month.
"Racing with no fans at the track is a new experience for all riders," said Khairul.
"Obviously, the atmosphere would be better with fans, but I will be happy to just start racing again."