The NSC will cover over RM500,000 in costs to relocate Malaysian athletes from flood-hit Songkhla to Bangkok and Chonburi for the SEA Games.
THE National Sports Council (NSC) will bear all additional costs involved in relocating the Malaysian contingent to the 33rd SEA Games from the flood-hit southern Thai province of Songkhla to Bangkok and Chonburi.
It said approval to cover the additional costs, estimated at over RM500,000, was agreed upon at the NSC Management Board meeting chaired by the Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh on Monday (Dec 1).
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“The decision aims to ensure all national athletes from 10 sports, be it from Category A or B, are not affected by concerns that could disrupt their focus and performance due to unforeseen incidents such as those currently experienced.
“The approval to cover the additional costs will hopefully serve as a morale booster and ignite the athletes’ determination to fight to bring home medals for the country,” the NSC said in a statement today.
It also said that the decision is in line with the concerns expressed by the MADANI Government regarding the fate of the 206 Malaysian athletes and officials, who are facing difficulties after being forced to relocate just days before the 33rd SEA Games begin on Dec 9.
“The national athletes in Songkhla were previously scheduled to compete in Muay Thai, pencak silat, men’s football, chess, judo, kabaddi, karate, petanque, wushu and wrestling.
“Nine of the sports will now be held in Bangkok, and wrestling in Chonburi,” it added.
