MALAYSIAN athletes had better be prepared to brave the ferocity of nature if they are to shine in the Philippines Sea Games.
A typhoon is expected to slam into Manila on Sunday, a day after the 30th Sea Games has officially started.
This was disclosed by Malaysian chef-de-mission Datuk Megat Zulkarnain Omardin in Manila yesterday.
It is likely that Philippines Sea Games could be right in the way of a tropical storm, which is set to turn into a typhoon over the next week.
This news is a further damper to the Philippines Sea Games, which was already earlier rocked by controversies of transportation and accommodation issues and lack of food for athletes,
Blowing up to 105 kilometres per hour, the tropical storm, dubbed “Kammuri” internationally, is currently travelling towards the Philippines and is predicted to make landfall by Sunday.
There is a likelihood the storm will escalate into a typhoon. Should it enter the Philippines, Kammuri will be renamed as “Tisoy” by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration.
Zulkarnain said yesterday the Philippines Sea Games Organising Committee (PHISGOC) had earlier informed the competing nations the possibility of a typhoon affecting the Sea Games.
“PHISGOC have informed us of the possibility of a typhoon happening since the end of last year. All the other teams (nations) have also been briefed,” said Zulkarnain, who arrived in the Philippines yesterday.
“We did not inform the athletes earlier because we did not want to trigger (fear in) them as there is a possibility it (typhoon) could just pass through.
“This (weather) unfortunately is out of anybody's control. PHISGOC have stated that they have a ‘Plan B’ if any form of inclement weather affects the games.
“They have prepared a contingency plan which could see some sporting venues being changed to other locations which they have already identified.
“Only outdoor events will be moved. Those indoor will not be too affected.”
Meanwhile, Zulkarnain added that many of the issues faced by athletes in the Philippines, notably the lack of halal food, have been resolved.