A MEETING to discuss gymnasium operation between the Penang government and its operators is scheduled on June 9.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said next week’s meeting was to listen to the operators’ plan on their standard operating procedures (SOPs) before deciding on the next move.
“After listening to their views, I will bring it up to the state executive council (exco) meeting on Wednesday.
“We will see its progress by then,” he told reporters after visiting Penang City Park, formerly known as Youth Park, and Penang Botanic Gardens today.
Apart from fitness centres, Soon said he would be looking into the possibility of allowing other indoor sports to operate.
Many gymnasium operators have complained that their business has been largely affected since the movement control order (MCO) started on March 18.
Their ricebowl has been severely affected and they have since kept their fingers crossed, hoping for their premises to be allowed to operate.
Soon did not disclose whether fitness centres would be allowed to operate soon but pointed out that if greenlight was given, SOPs must be followed.
“Body temperature checking, sanitising and maintaining distance from each other must be adhered to,” he said.
On the reopening of several recreational and public parks beginning June 6, Soon said visitors would need to follow the SOPs imposed.
“They need to register themselves using the PGCare app before entering the parks.
“The operation hours are from 7am until 7pm while the number of visitors allowed are 200 people at any one time. However, only 50 people are allowed at Relau Metropolitan Park,” he said.
Penang City Park, Relau Metropolitan Park, Penang Botanic Gardens, Up Cycle Park in Bandar Perda, Vision Park in Kepala Batas, Taman Tunku in Seberang Jaya, Bukit Jambul hiking area, Penang Hill heritage path at the lower station and the entrance of the jeep path (for pedestrians only) and Bukit D.O. in Bukit Mertajam would be opened from June 6.
Permanent forest reserve areas in Teluk Bahang, Cherok Tokun, Bukit Juru, Air Hitam Dalam Educational Forest, Bukit Panchor state park, Penang National Park and recreational areas under Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP) would however remain closed.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian