Whatever it is, a decision must be made soon |

The Malaysia Open, a Super 750 event and one of badminton’s oldest tournaments, is set to be the second last event on the calendar this year to offer Olympic qualifying points.

Slated for May 25-30 at the Axiata Arena in Bukit Jalil, it is also expected to be the first international tournament to open its doors to fans since Covid-19 hit its peak last year.

The deadly B.1.617 variant, which caused a “Covid tsunami”, in India has reached our shores. Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican recently said he was confident the BA of Malaysia (BAM) can fulfill all Covid-19 protocols required to host the Malaysia Open.

There is no doubt BAM is fully capable of organizing a major event but with government agencies stretched thin, going on with the Malaysia Open in this current climate is like having a death wish.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has pointed out that Covid cases in the Klang Valley alone have reached an alarming level with more than 80 percent of the patients needing critical care.

Will the situation become worse and riskier with more foreigners coming into the country?

There should be no shame for any party in calling the event off. Whatever it is, a decision must be made soon.