M'sian divers safe in China, to continue training

CORONAVIRUS | The national diving squad currently undergoing training in China are well and are taking precautionary measures amid the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak.

The squad comprising Leong Mun Yee (above), Pandelela Rinong, Wendy Ng Yan Yee, Kimberly Bong and Enrique Harold are currently training at the Sichuan Gymnasium in Chengdu, while 2017 world champion Cheong Jun Hoong is training separately with former national coach Yang Zhuliang in Qinhuangdao.

They are on intensive training for the World Cup from April 21-26 in Tokyo, Japan before those who have qualified for the 2020 Olympic Games compete at the same metropolis from July 24 to Aug 9.

Senior diver Leong said as a precautionary measure against the deadly virus, the training centre was closed to outsiders.

"Those of us who are inside are not allowed to go out. Every time we leave the room, we wear face masks and check our body temperature. For now, everything is okay," she said when contacted by Bernama.

The 2019 World Championships silver medallist said the national camp was always in contact with the Amateur Swimming Union of Malaysia (ASUM) and the National Sports Council on current developments.

The distance from Sichuan and Qinhuangdao to Wuhan, where the virus originated, is more than 1,000km.

Meanwhile, NSC director-general Ahmad Shapawi Ismail confirmed that only the diving squad were currently training in China, adding that they would not be recalled home.

However, a decision has not been made on whether they would continue training in China after returning home between Feb 2 and March 14 to renew their visas, all with different expiry dates.

"We are continuing their training programme as they have to focus on refining their diving techniques that require dryland harness and pool training.

"We will evaluate the situation after they have returned home before deciding what’s next. The Youth and Sports Ministry also contacted Wisma Putra for travel advice while the Malaysian embassy and consulates in China have been informed of their presence in China.

"All the diving athletes have been informed of the compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP) issued by Wisma Putra to Malaysians in China," he said.

He said Pandelela and Leong will be back to renew their visas on Feb 2, followed by Ng, Bong and Harold on Feb 13, while Cheong would return on March 14.

Xinhua News Agency reported 2,744 cases of coronavirus-related pneumonia have been confirmed with 80 deaths as of Sunday.

The Health Ministry has also confirmed that there are four cases in Malaysia so far, that is the four Chinese nationals who came via Johor from Singapore.

- Bernama