KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Paralympic Council is currently considering the mandatory implementation of tracking devices for all athletes and officials representing Malaysia at the upcoming Paralympic Games in Paris, scheduled for August.
Its president, Datuk Seri Megat D. Shariman Zaharudin revealed that the notion of employing tracking devices emerged amid concerns regarding the potential relocation of the opening ceremony within the city of Paris, citing apprehensions over terrorist threats around the Seine River.
Moreover, organisers are prepared to relocate the ceremony to a more compact and easily manageable venue, such as the State de France Stadium.
The Paralympic Council has tabled the proposal for tracking devices before the Asian Paralympic Committee during a Council Meeting held in March.
Presently, they await approval to proceed with the implementation, pending deliberation with Paris event organisers.
“On behalf of the council, I have engaged with two prospective providers of these tracking devices to ensure seamless monitoring of our athletes’ movements, from the stadium to the athlete village.
“Our primary concern lies with athletes who conclude their events early, often left with ample free time. With this time at hand, they may venture out, prompting our insistence on this precautionary measure.
“Threats may emanate from various quarters. For instance, recent incidents such as the French Railway Association’s strikes or the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict underscore the need for vigilance.
“Furthermore, in unforeseen circumstances where athletes fail to return, or communication channels falter, the tracking devices become indispensable in locating them. Hence, this proposal warrants consideration, contingent upon securing authorisation for their use in Paris, given the potential regulatory constraints.
“As such, we anticipate presenting and obtaining a decision on this matter in June,” said Megat.
To date, Malaysia has officially enlisted 10 delegates for the esteemed sporting event, spanning four sporting disciplines. Among them are two swimmers, two athletes, three cyclists, and three archers.
Megat was met presiding over the closing ceremony of the Rimau Emas Programme at the Pusat Kecemerlangan Sukan Paralimpik in Kg Pandan, Kuala Lumpur, earlier today. – April 18, 2024