THE Penang government has allowed snooker centres and indoor sports venues to resume operations from tomorrow based on the guidelines given by the National Security Council (MKN).
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said they, however, could operate until only 11pm.
“At first, we had some difficulties in allowing snooker centres to operate because they are subject to the entertainment licence under both local councils.
“This is because premises that fall under the entertainment category are not allowed to resume operation just yet.
“But after a thorough discussion with several parties involving the Penang State Sports Council (MSNPP), Penang Billiard and Snooker Association, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Penang Island City Council (MBPP), we have come to a decision to allow the reopening of snooker centres, subject to strict standard operating procedures (SOPs),” Soon told a press conference after inspecting a snooker centre in Butterworth today.
Also present was MBSP councillor Michael Tan Cheong Heng.
According to Soon, operators must first fill up a notification form at the International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI) website before resuming their operation.
“The details of the SOPs regarding snooker and other sports activities could be retrieved at the MKN website.
“For snooker centres, the SOPs include sanitising each snooker equipment regularly, allowing no physical contact during the game, practising social distancing and forbidding the presence of spectators,” he said.
Soon said currently there are 54 registered snooker centres in Penang, with 12 on the island and 24 on the mainland.
“All these 54 centres are allowed to resume their operations from tomorrow,” he added.
Tan said he hoped that all parties, including operators and customers, would follow the stringent SOPs to prevent Covid-19 transmission.
“The city council will not tolerate those who do not follow the SOPs.
“We will issue them a compound notice and may close their shops if they do not abide by the SOPs.
“This is something that cannot be taken lightly,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad