The Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) is optimistic abut the sport’s imminent return following the recent statement by the Minister of Youth & Sports that there will be good news soon for the beleaguered sports and recreation industry, which has been shut down due to the ongoing Movement Control Order (MCO). The MCO was originally enforced in some states on January 13 and has since been extended to February 18 in all of Malaysia except Sarawak.
In a statement released today, MGA president Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor noted: “MGA and the golfing fraternity in general are indeed grateful to the government of Malaysia and in particular, to the Minister of Defense YB Dato’ Sri Ismail Sabri, the Minister of Youth & Sports, YP Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican and the Minister of Health, YB Dato’ Seri Adham Baba for their intervention and careful consideration with regards to the expeditious resumption of the sport of golf and other outdoor activities in Malaysia.
“The cautious optimism shared by the golfing fraternity of the probable resumption of all golf-related activities soonest clearly demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensure that the sports industry is not adversely impacted financially by the pandemic and the Movement Control Order, while on the other hand keeping Malaysians safe from being infected by the deadly Covid-19 virus.”
MGA Honorary Secretary Dato’ Zulkifli Ismail noted: “With the expected reopening of more than 150 golf clubs in Malaysia in the short term, it is estimated that more than 38,000 employees including caddies are expected to return to work and benefit financially.
“In addition, several stakeholders operating various golf-related businesses are expected to reopen and immediately benefit financially from the expected resumption of the sport of golf.”
The MGA noted in the statement that they have updated the mandatory standard operating procedures for golf clubs and will issue them to affiliates soon.
