KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian contingent’s chef de mission (CDM) for the Paris Olympics Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has assured that the safety of every member of the national contingent is prioritised throughout their quest for gold in France.
Amid the host nation’s challenges with security threats from various angles, Hamidin stressed that the contingent secretariat in the Athlete’s Village in St Ouen-sur-Seine continuously updates security information from the National Olympic Committees service centre.
Additionally, they received advice and the latest information from the Malaysian Embassy in Paris regarding precautionary measures around strategic locations, competition, and training venues.
“As the head of the Malaysian contingent, I remind the secretariat to seek the latest advice and information regarding the precautionary measures implemented by the organisers,” said Hamidin in a statement issued last night.
“The information gathered is crucial for the organised and guaranteed safety management of the contingent.
“From our side, we advise all athletes and coaches to adhere to the standard operating procedures in terms of transportation usage, movement within and outside the sports village, as well as around training and competition venues.
“Although I find that the French security forces are taking necessary precautions by cordoning off and closing the routes around the competition venues from traffic and closing several pedestrian routes at the underground train stations, I advise every member of the contingent – including athletes, coaches, and officials – to take precautions and limit their movements.”
Datuk Hamidin commented on reports that the main media centre at the Palais de Congres in central Paris was temporarily closed after French security received a bomb threat.
In addition to the 26 athletes and 40 officials forming the Malaysian contingent, 25 media practitioners – including staff from the national news agency and television stations who are also rights holders – contingent media staff, and international news organisations, are currently on duty in Paris.
“We are also aware of the list of media members staying in seven different hotels, and they are also taking precautions and constantly updating organisational information through various applications and the official Paris 2024 website whenever they go out for coverage.
“At the same time, we hope that Malaysians will always extend their prayers for the national contingent and all stakeholders in Paris so that we are protected from any disasters and can bring home gold medals for Malaysia,” he added. – July 29, 2024
