The Terengganu state government has cancelled a mixed-gender netball tournament in Jeram, Manir, after determining that the event violated the state’s sports guidelines.
Terengganu Youth, Sports and Non-Governmental Organisation Committee chairman Hishamuddin Abdul Karim said investigations by the local authority found that the Mini Mixed Netball Tournament was organised by a private party rather than a government agency or department.
The event, scheduled for October 3, went viral on social media after a poster promoting the tournament was circulated online.
Hishamuddin said the state government received public complaints and subsequently instructed the local authority to investigate the event and contact the organisers.
He said the tournament could not proceed in its proposed format as it contravened Item 4 of the Terengganu State Sports Guidelines, which sets out the state’s general sports requirements.
“The organisers are not allowed to proceed unless the event is held without mixed participation, involving female participants only,” he said.
The organisers have also been instructed to obtain the necessary permit and approval from the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) for any future event.
Hishamuddin said the state government remained open to sporting activities but stressed that organisers must comply with the guidelines and regulations in place.
He said the cancellation was not intended to prevent people from participating in sports or restrict women’s involvement in sporting activities.
Instead, he said the decision was aimed at ensuring sporting activities in the state remained in line with Terengganu’s religious values, culture and social norms.
“We do not intend to dampen the sporting spirit among the people of Terengganu, but activities must incorporate Islamic values and not violate the regulations that have been set,” he said.
