PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia is in constant contact with Japan and the organisers of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games to ensure the safety of the national athletes after following the massive floods that struck Nagoya.
Youth and Sports Minister Dr Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry wants to make sure there are no disruptions to the accommodation and movement of national athletes at the Sept 19-Oct 4 Asiad.
“We received feedback (from Japan) that everything is well and under control.
“They have disaster and flood mitigation plans to ensure there are no disruptions to the Games,” he told reporters after the KBS Tower Run here yesterday (Sept 10).
He said the ministry had also set up a team to monitor the contingent’s movement during the Games, while issuing standard operating procedures (SOPs) that must be followed should a disaster occur.
“Our priority now is the safety, health and well-being of our athletes there,” he added.
Torrential rain that hit Nagoya on Tuesday (Sept 8) flooded several areas, thus disrupting public transportation.
About 400 Malaysian athletes and officials already in Nagoya have also been temporarily relocated to higher ground as a precaution before being allowed to return to their respective accommodations.
Leaks were also reported at several competition venues, but organisers insisted that the situation has not affected the continuation of the Games.
Meanwhile, deputy chef de mission Mohamad Azlan Iskandar said the Malaysian Contingent Secretariat had drawn up contingency plans should the weather and flood situation worsen.
“The secretariat has prepared a Plan B,” he said.
On Wednesday, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) issued its highest Level 5 flood warning for the Shonai River, which flows through Gifu and Aichi prefectures, prompting authorities to call for residents in some areas to move immediately to safety. — BERNAMA
