KUALA LUMPUR: In efforts to complete sports venues in time for the 2011 SEA Games, co-host Palembang, the capital city of South Sumatra, have virtually enforced a 24-hour work regime for its workers.
Malaysian contingent chef-de-mission to Palembang, Datuk Syed Mustaffa Syed Ali said organisers in Palembang had given their assurance to delegation members from participating countries, that all venues would be ready before the start of the Games in November. A delegation comprising Chef-de-Missions of participating countries visited Palembang to inspect progress of venues on Aug 18.
“I am confident the organisers will complete all venues and facilities before the start of the games. The governor himself has asked workers to work round the clock and complete the venues according to the schedule.
“In fact, the organisers have assured us that all venues will be ready in three or weeks from now, including the swimming complex,” he told Bernama when contacted here yesterday. Palembang and Jakarta are co-hosting the SEA Games.
Syed Mustaffa who is also the Squash Rackets Association of Malaysia (SRAM) was also confident that the Games Village at the Jakabaring Complex would be managed well by the organisers.
“As far as the organising aspects, I have not heard of any problems. I was informed that about 2,200 athletes will be placed in the Games Village which is only walking distance to venues,” he said. — Bernama