KUALA LUMPUR – Amid the recent attacks on national footballer Akhyar Rashid and Faisal Halim, Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) president Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan assures that security will be enhanced ahead of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup from May 18 to 26 at Stadium Titiwangsa.
He added that what happened to Akhyar and Faisal may seem to not have an impact on the ISTAF World Cup, but as organisers, STAM will still take precautionary measures to guarantee the safety of players and officials during the tournament.
“We will increase security at all the accommodation locations for all players and staff so that nothing untoward happens.
“This is a World Cup and we want everything to run smoothly in a peaceful and harmonious environment,” he told reporters after a jersey-launching ceremony for the national team, last night.
He added that the national players will have to adhere to special protocols too during the tournament to ensure their safety.
“We have set rules for them to follow and we will have officers to monitor the players.
“We need to ensure they keep their discipline in terms of going in and out of the hotel.
“They need to always stay together as a team and if any of them break the rules we will automatically take stern action against the guilty party.
“I believe the players understand the need for these rules and they are doing a good job of adhering to it so far,” Sumali added.
A total of 21 countries will compete in the ISTAF World Cup, with 12 competing in the premier events including Malaysia. Meanwhile, nine will compete in Division 1 including Iran, Germany, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
On Sunday, national striker Faisal was victim to an acid attack by unknown perpetrators while on a family outing at a shopping mall in Petaling Jaya.
Two days prior, Akhyar sustained injuries to his head and leg after being assaulted with an iron rod during a robbery at his condominium in Kuala Terengganu, after returning home from training.
In the latest incident, Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Safiq Rahim’s rear car window was smashed by unknown individuals using a sledgehammer on Tuesday night. – May 9, 2024