KUALA LUMPUR - A delegation from the FA of Malaysia (FAM) headed by its president, Datuk Haji Hamidin Haji Mohd Amin, shared key agendas that chart the football industry during a courtesy visit today to the Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Mohd Yassin.

In the meeting at the PM’s Office, Hamidin took the opportunity to update Muhyiddin on the national team’s international fixtures as well as the M-League’s preparations ahead of the kick-off in March.

Hamidin expressed his gratitude to Muhyiddin for giving FAM his precious time to discuss key agendas in managing the football industry amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

"We presented Muhyiddin with FAM’s latest plans in preparing the national team throughout the 2021 international fixtures.

"On top of that, we shared with Muhyiddin the status of the M-League and the plan to proceed with the season based on strict compliance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) stipulated by the authorities.

"We also discussed the need for the football fraternity to be vaccinated in order to continue with the season amidst growing concerns over the number of positive Covid-19 cases," said Hamidin.

At the same time, Hamidin explained that the Minister of Youth and Sports, Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, has always given his full support to ensure continuity of the football industry.

While waiting for the kick-off of the M- League, which has been scheduled for March 5, clubs preparing for Super League and Premier League are now allowed to undergo quarantine-based training under the sports-bubble model with strict compliance of SOP guidelines issued by the Sports Ministry.

Hamidin, accompanied by FAM vice president-cum-MFL chief executive officer, Dato 'Ab Ghani Hassan, and FAM general secretary, Stuart Ramalingam, also discussed the latest developments in the plan to build the new FAM headquarters and national training centre (NTC) in Putrajaya.

Also discussed was the situation of football and futsal venue operators as well as football academies on whether they should be given leeway to operate during the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Meanwhile, Muhyiddin said that he agrees that football should be given a new lease of life following the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected the development and activities of the country's number one sport at this time.

“I also take note of the steps taken by FAM to ensure that the Malaysia League, which is scheduled to start this March, complies with Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in order to avoid further spread of the pandemic.

“I am confident that, through close cooperation with FAM, the joy of football can once again be enjoyed after this.

“I would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate Hamidin for being re-elected as FAM President for the 2021-2025 term,” Muhyiddin said.

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