KUCHING: The 34th Sarawak Chief Minister (II) Cup ITF World Tennis Tour (J3 Sarawak) could be at risk of cancellation if the haze persists.
Minister of Youth and Sports Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said even though the annual event would be good for tourism, as well as projecting Sarawak as a sports destination, the current haze situation remains a concern.
Karim, who is also Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture also pointed out that other big-scale events and festivals that need to be held outdoors in September and October could be shortened or cancelled if the haze condition remains at an unhealthy level.
Karim noted that the decision to do so would be determined based on the guideline by an air pollutant index (API) reading of above 200.
“My only worry, just like everyone else, is where we have got so many programmes in September and October
and if the haze condition
continues, participants of various events may opt to cancel their participation or coming over.
“I do understand probably even in tennis some of the participants might be cancelling (their
participation),” he told reporters after Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg presented the Cup to the organising team
led by Sarawak Lawn Tennis Association (SLTA) president Datuk Patrick Liew at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.
He said among the events and festivals likely affected are the Spartan Race, Kuching World Jazz Festival and What About Kuching where many of them are to be held along the Waterfront, here.
“If the haze continues, then we will have to make some kind of decision whether to stop it, because we cannot be taking chances,” he added.
Meanwhile, Liew revealed that efforts have been made to communicate with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in London to seek advice on the haze situation.
“They replied that if situation does not improve by Thursday, we either cut short the match or cancel it.
“We have to wait for ITF’s decision, as this is an international event and we cannot make the decision ourselves.
“At the same time, we don’t want to be held responsible if anything happens to the players,” he said.
Liew added that the 34th edition of the Sarawak Chief Minister (II) Cup ITF World Tennis Tour has been successfully held since the early 1990s.
He pointed out that state through tennis has position Sarawak in the world map.
“So there’s no issue of getting players from various countries. Every year, a minimum 25 countries will come,” he said
A total of 73 boys and 43 girls from 25 countries are expected to compete in the tournament scheduled from Sept 24 to 29.
