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Events postponed for safety reasons

SAFETY issues at the aquatic centre in Perlis have forced the organisers of the Malaysia Games to postpone the aquatic events.

The events, which were originally scheduled to start today, will only take place tomorrow, as the contractors raced against time to overcome poor water quality and improve the diving platforms at the venue.

Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) secretary-general Edwin Chong said the issues must be resolved to guarantee the safety of the athletes.
“There are a few things that the contractors are working on now. The water in both the swimming and dving pools is still murky.

“The contractors are also installing new anti-slip mats on the diving platforms, because the earlier ones did not meet the required standards.

“The 5-meter diving platform is being shortened and re-cemented, because the earlier measurements were not right.”

There were earlier suggestions that the aquatic events be moved to the Gunung Keriang Aquatics Centre in Kedah. It is, however, learnt that all Malaysia Games events must take place in Perlis, as it involves the pride of the state.

The National Sports Council issued a statement yesterday, saying the starting date of the aquatic events will be moved to tomorrow to ensure the safety of the athletes, and for a smooth Games.
There will be no changes to the number of events, with swimming offering 38 gold medals from 19 events, while diving offers 10 gold medals from five events.

Perlis’ sports exco Abdul Jamil Saad said he believes that the aquatic centre will be repaired on time, and the aquatic events will take place tomorrow.

“The contractors are already working on getting everything right before the events.
“Representatives from JKR (Public Works Department) and ASUM are also here to make sure that everything is done right.

“There should not be a problem for the events to take place on Thursday,” he said at the aquatic centre.

On whether any action will be taken against the contractors for the delay, Jamil said “The focus now is to get the venue ready by Thursday”.

“This is the Perlis Games, all the events will take place here.”

Workers are installing new anti-slip mats on the diving platforms. Pic by Eizairi Shamsudin

By REPORTS BY FADHLI ISHAK & FABIAN PETER | nstsport@nst.com.my

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