Having a set of evaluation and grading criteria for sports centres in Malaysia is certainly the way forward.
The National Sports & Fitness Venue Owners and Operators Association (NSFVOOA) said this, following talks within the Youth and Sports Ministry to grade sporting facilities to better protect sports enthusiasts.
Responding to Twentytwo13’s article published on Tuesday, NSFVOOA added that the evaluation and grading process will help businesses improve and elevate the standards of sports centres nationwide, ultimately creating a healthier nation.
“To draw up the standards for sports centres requires the support from local governments, too. As mentioned in the article, there is still no clear guidance from local governments for business operators on licencing requirements,” said NSFVOOA, in a statement.
“We cannot put the blame squarely on sports facilities operators for not keeping the condition of their facilities up to standard, if there is no guidance and support from the authorities.
“Let’s not forget about the (Covid-19) pandemic over the past two years. Sports facilities were among the first to cease operations. Operators owed rentals, and the challenges they endured were tremendous.”
NSFVOOA president Datuk V. Radhakrishnan highlighted several issues regarding the move to grade sports centres.
“Ultimately, the elephant in the room is deciding who will be in charge of the grading process, and how it will benefit the community,” said Radhakrishnan.
“It is a tall order to formulate a set of guidelines, as different sports, have different criteria. It must be done professionally.
“A thorough evaluation guideline is needed,” he added.
He cited the grading of hotels as an example.
“Hotels have their own grading system, based on a set of requirements, to be recognised as one star, two stars, or more.
“The grading of sports facilities should also adopt a similar approach. For instance, a badminton hall must have a standard ceiling height, space, seating arrangement, ventilation system, and court layout, among others.”
Former badminton player Daphne Ng was also receptive to the move.
“This is the first time I’m hearing about the grading of sports facilities. I’m not sure if other countries practice this,” said Ng, who runs her own badminton academy.
“This is a great initiative, but I think the safety of such facilities should be priority, as well as proper maintenance.”
She hoped the grading of sports facilities would help standardise the cost of rentals, and ensure more people can enjoy sports safely.
On Tuesday, Twentytwo13 revealed that discussions within the Youth and Sports Ministry, although still in its infancy, are being held over the possibility of grading sporting facilities in Malaysia.
This is similar to the evaluation and grading of food premises by local councils, nationwide.
Munzir Mustapha, who owns Lekir Fitness & Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Shah Alam, Selangor, had told Twentytwo13 that the ministry should establish a set of common guidelines for operators to adhere to.
He added the guidelines should also be cognizant of the smaller operators who work on a tight budget.
