WATER sports, such as swimming and diving, can resume starting Thursday, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The senior minister told a press conference today that the National Security Council will also issue a standard operating procedure to be observed in swimming pools at hotels and closed arenas.

“We have decided to allow swimming and diving for athletes for the purpose of training, but there must be no physical contact.

“There will be a limit on capacity (in pools), and the SOPs include social distancing, the use of the MySejahtera app and leaving the swimming complex as soon as possible.

“For swimming at hotels and other public places, we have agreed in principle (to allow it), but the SOP is still being drafted. We need to limit the number of people in the pool.

“For example, there cannot be too many people (in pools) at condominiums at one time.”

Under the recovery movement-control order, which took effect earlier this month, jogging, badminton and solo martial arts practice are allowed to continue.

The government has also lifted the interstate travel ban, and given the nod to domestic tourism activities.

Today, Ismail Sabri announced that Malaysia will open its border to residents of Singapore and Brunei, and let foreign students return to complete their studies. – June 19, 2020.