MALAYSIA TO AVOID COMPETITIONS IN COUNTRIES WITH HIGH H1N1 RISK

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysia will avoid competitions in
countries with a high risk of the Influenza A(H1N1) disease although the Youth
and Sports ministry has yet to issue a blanket ban on overseas competitions.

Deputy Youth and Sports minister Razali Ibrahim said the ministry will
abide by the guidelines issued by the National Security Council headed by Deputy
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Muhyiddin had earlier advised Malaysians against visiting Australia and
United States due to the danger of influenza A in both countries.

"The ministry has not issued any directive on the matter (cancel overseas
competitions) but we will avoid competitions in countries with a high risk of
the disease like Australia and United States," he told reporters after launching
the Federal Territories Schools Rakan Muda programme at SMK Seri Titiwangsa
here Monday.

Razali said the issue of sending athletes for overseas competitions would be
discussed in Cabinet, including the Asian Youth Games in Singapore from July 29
to July 7.

"Singapore is not considered a high risk country but even for countries with
high risk, the ministry has not issued any directive. So, to me, there is no
problem," he said.

It was reported that Singapore had quarantined 19 members of the Philippines
youth football team after one player had tested positive for influenza A(H1N1).

According to reports, they were taken to a beach resort set up to
isolate foreigners for quarantine purposes.



-- BERNAMA