Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Organisers have confirmed that next month’s Malaysian Open will proceed as scheduled.

Despite the postponement or cancellation of numerous events around the region due to the coronavirus outbreak, the Malaysian Golf Association (MGA) said its flagship event, which is making its return to the Asian Tour schedule after a four-year absence, will go ahead as planned.

Sanctioned by the Asian Tour in partnership with the Japan Golf Tour Organisation. (JGTO), the US$1 million event will take place from March 5-8 at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club, a Golf Course Facility Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Addressing concerns over the current Covid-19 situation, MGA President Tan Sri Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor said: “The health and safety of players and audience is and remains the number one priority of the MGA. With strict measures in place, as guided by the Ministry of Health Malaysia, we will provide initial medical care in the event of illness and help prevent disease transmission.

“With this assurance given, we hope that all players and audiences not to worry and be ready for the upcoming Malaysian Open 2020.”

The MGA’s decision was supported by the Asian Tour.

“We are very much aligned with the decision made by MGA and with the stringent measures put in place during the week,” said Cho Minn Thant, Commissioner and CEO, Asian Tour, a Full Business Member of the Asian Golf Industry Federation.

Cho added: “We are adopting similar operational procedures at all our upcoming events to improve the safety towards all stakeholders and participants. We are confident the Malaysian Open will restore its pride as one of the most popular events on the Asian Tour schedule.”